Switzerland reach World Cup last 16 with 2-0 win over Algeria

Switzerland secured their place in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup with a convincing 2-0 win over Algeria on Thursday night. Goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye in either half sealed the victory at the round-of-32 match.

Algeria started brightly, dominating the opening 10 minutes, but the Swiss struck first when Johan Manzambi raced down the right and crossed for Embolo to tap in from close range. Ndoye doubled the lead less than a minute into the second half with a powerful shot from the edge of the box that Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane could not keep out.

Fabian Rieder almost added a third in the 81st minute but failed to connect with a low cross. Switzerland controlled the game thereafter, securing a knockout-round win for the first time since 1938 (excluding a 1954 playoff). Algeria, making their first World Cup appearance since 2014, were eliminated after a valiant group-stage campaign.

What's next for Switzerland?

• Switzerland will face the winner of Friday's match between Colombia and Ghana.
• The round-of-16 match is scheduled for Tuesday in Vancouver, Canada.
• Switzerland have not won a knockout match in regular time since 1938, though they reached the last 16 in the previous three World Cups with 32-team fields.
• Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic previously coached Switzerland from 2014 to 2021, leading them to the 2018 World Cup knockout stage.

Switzerland, who had a week off after their final group game, will now prepare for their first knockout match of the tournament. With Johan Manzambi emerging as a key player (two goals, two assists), the Swiss will hope to continue their run against a tough South American or African opponent.