World Cup: Canada, Switzerland secure round of 32 tickets; Qatar out of competition
Canada and Switzerland are through to the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite the North American co-hosts losing 2-1 to the European side in their final group-stage match on Wednesday.
Ruben Vargas opened the scoring for Switzerland just one minute after the half-time break from an assist by John Manzambi before the latter scored in the 57th minute.
The Canadians left it late before mounting a comeback when substitute Promise David pulled one back in the 76th minute after volleying home a sublime cross from Nathan Saliba, but they were unable to find the net again.
With the victory, Switzerland finished as the winner of Group B with seven points, while Canada secured the second automatic knockout spot with four points despite the defeat.
This tournament marks the first time Canada will play in the World Cup knockout round.
Meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina thrashed Qatar 3-1 in the second Group B tie to put themselves in a good position to qualify for the knockout round as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
Bosnia and Herzegovina finished third in the group with four points, while Qatar has officially been eliminated from the World Cup after earning just one point from three matches.
Kerim Alajbegovic, Mahmud Abunada (own goal) and Ermin Mahmic were the goalscorers for Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Hassan Al Haidos netted Qatar’s consolation goal.
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