VANCOUVER – Switzerland had to wait until late Saturday night to learn who they’ll be playing in their first World Cup knockout match on Thursday at BC Place Stadium.
Algeria, which earned a dramatic 3-3 draw with Austria on Saturday in Kansas City, finished third in Group J with a win, loss and draw in its group and will play in Vancouver against Switzerland.
Defending champion Argentina (3-0-0) and Austria (1-1-1) also advanced from Group J.
Switzerland’s Johan Manzambi (9) celebrates after scoring as Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau reacts during the World Cup Group B soccer match between Switzerland and Canada in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Switzerland topped Group B with two wins and a draw, finishing ahead of Canada (1-1-1), Bosnia-Herzegovina (1-1-1) and Qatar (0-1-2).
Switzerland defeated Canada 2-1 on Wednesday at BC Place, earning the right to stay in Vancouver. Canada opens the round-of-32 knockout stage playing South Africa on Sunday in Los Angeles.
Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter
The Warm-Up
Winnipeg Jets Game Days
On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop.
Switzerland finished group-stage play with seven goals for and three against, while Algeria scored five times and allowed seven goals.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 27, 2026.