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Switzerland moved into the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating Algeria 2-0 in Vancouver on Thursday, producing another disciplined display to extend its unbeaten run at the tournament.
The Swiss will now face the winner of Friday's round-of-32 clash between Colombia and Ghana, with a place in the quarterfinals at stake.
The Swiss struck after 10 minutes through Breel Embolo, who finished from close range after Johan Manzambi burst down the left flank, slipped past two defenders and cut the ball back into the six-yard box. The 20-year-old midfielder once again stood out as the driving force behind Switzerland's attack.
Any hopes of an Algerian comeback quickly faded after the break. Just 47 seconds into the second half, Dan Ndoye fired through a crowded penalty area after the defense failed to clear the danger. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane got a hand to the shot but could not keep it out, leaving Switzerland firmly in control.
Although Algeria enjoyed spells of possession and started the match aggressively, Switzerland rarely looked unsettled. Murat Yakin's side defended compactly, closed down space in midfield and limited their opponents to few meaningful chances after the opening exchanges.
The Swiss nearly added a third goal late on, but substitute Fabian Rieder failed to convert from close range after being left with an open net, one of the few blemishes in an otherwise polished display.
The defeat brought Algeria's World Cup campaign to an end in the round of 32, with coach Vladimir Petkovic knocked out by the national team he managed for seven years before taking charge of the Desert Foxes.
Algeria joined Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal among the African nations eliminated before the last 16, leaving Morocco as the continent's sole remaining representative.
Switzerland will remain in Vancouver for its round-of-16 encounter, where it will take on the winner of Friday's match between Colombia and Ghana.
Colombia advanced as Group K winners with seven points, while Ghana qualified as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams after finishing behind England and Croatia in Group L.
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