Manzambi goal and assist sink hosts as Switzerland beat Canada

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·24 Juni 2026

Manzambi goal and assist sink hosts as Switzerland beat Canada

Switzerland claimed top spot in Group B with a 2–1 victory over Canada in Vancouver, producing a decisive second-half display after a goalless opening period. Rubén Vargas struck seconds into the second half before Johan Manzambi doubled the lead at 57', with the 20-year-old involved in both goals through his assist and finish.

Promise David pulled one back for the hosts within a minute of his introduction at 76', sparking a frantic late push that saw Gregor Kobel make crucial saves in stoppage time. Canada created multiple headed chances but could not find an equaliser, leaving their World Cup campaign with a sense of what might have been. GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Switzerland v Canada.

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Winners

Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)

The 20-year-old delivered a man-of-the-match display that defined the contest. His cross from the right found Vargas for the opener at 46', and he then scored himself at 57' to put Switzerland in complete control with a composed right-footed finish.

Manzambi's movement caused constant problems for Canada's defence throughout the match. His combination with Breel Embolo for the second goal showcased his ability to time runs and arrive in dangerous areas, while his direct running created panic whenever he received possession in the final third.

With a goal and an assist, Manzambi's contribution directly accounted for both goals in Switzerland's winning margin. His performance secured first place in Group B and announced him as an emerging tournament weapon capable of deciding matches at the highest level.

Gregor Kobel (Switzerland)

The goalkeeper's interventions in the final minutes proved just as decisive as the goals at the other end. Kobel denied Promise David's header at 90+3' and then stopped Alistair Johnston's effort at 90+6' as Canada threw everything forward in search of an equaliser.

His earlier saves laid the foundation for Switzerland's victory. Kobel stopped Cyle Larin from inside the box at 33' and gathered Ali Ahmed's weak effort at 41' when the Canadian was played through on goal, keeping the match level until his teammates could break the deadlock.

While Switzerland's attackers earned the lead, Kobel's composure under sustained aerial pressure preserved it. His safe hands during the six minutes of added time ensured Canada's late dominance yielded nothing, securing maximum points when a draw would have cost Switzerland top spot.

Loser

Ali Ahmed (Canada)

Ahmed squandered Canada's best opportunity of the first half when the match was still goalless. Jonathan David played him through on goal at 41', but Ahmed struck his shot poorly and Kobel saved without difficulty, wasting a clear one-on-one chance.

The missed opportunity proved costly as Canada went into the break level before conceding twice in quick succession after half-time. Ahmed's failure to convert when presented with a clear sight of goal meant Canada entered the second half without the lead their chances had merited.

His withdrawal at 58' as part of a triple substitution signalled the coaching staff's dissatisfaction with Canada's attacking output. The replacements transformed the team's threat, but the damage had already been done with Switzerland two goals ahead by the time Ahmed departed.