2026 World Cup: Algeria bow out, Switzerland keep their dream alive (2-0)

02.07.26 FT World Cup

Switzerland

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:

Algeria

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Beaten 2-0 by Switzerland in Vancouver, Algeria's journey ends in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, despite a strong opening to the match.

The Fennecs handled the early stages of this knockout match rather well. A cross from Belghali, poorly met by Mahrez, still found its way to Aouar as early as the 5th minute, but his volley flew wide of the Swiss goal. Moments later, in the 8th minute, Zerrouki was unbalanced inside the box after a through ball, but the referee saw nothing in it and play continued.

See also: 2026 World Cup: Ronaldo finally breaks his knockout curse!

A dazzling run from Manzambi sets up Embolo for the opener

Despite their controlled start, it was Switzerland who struck first, on their very first real threat. In the 11th minute, Johan Manzambi surged forward, covering fifteen meters to beat Aïssa Mandi, before finding Breel Embolo, who was left unmarked to tap the ball into the back of the net. A cruel twist for Algeria, who had done little wrong up to that point.

The Swiss seize control of the contest

From that moment, the Nati imposed their dominance, gaining confidence with possession and exiting their defensive third with more composure after having sat deep for much of the opening stages. While Manzambi remained lively in flashes, genuine chances dried up until the 42nd minute, when Chaïbi forced the first real save from the Swiss keeper—a routine stop. Immediately after, a through ball found Belghali, but the Swiss defense just got there first.

Maza comes close to leveling the score

It was right at the end of the first half that the Fennecs carved out their best chance: set up by a Mahrez cross, Aouar laid it off for Maza, whose effort, unfortunately, drifted wide of Kobel's goal. A final jolt before the break that could have sent Algeria into the dressing rooms with a more balanced scoreline.

A nightmare start to the second half for the Fennecs

The script took another cruel turn right after the break. Barely a minute into the second half, a poor clearance from Rafik Belghali landed straight at the feet of Dan Ndoye, who calmly opened up his foot and slotted the ball into the bottom corner past Luca Zidane. A hammer blow for the Greens, who barely had time to regroup after halftime.

Just a few minutes later, Algeria found another glimmer of hope to get back in it: after a low cross from Belghali, Mahrez struck with his left, only to see his shot blocked by a Swiss defender. That was their final burst, as Algeria never really troubled Gregor Kobel again before the final whistle.

Elimination—and maybe some farewells

Beaten 2-0, Algeria bow out of the 2026 World Cup in the round of 32. Switzerland, meanwhile, will discover their round of 16 opponent the following day, between Colombia and Ghana. For several Algerian stalwarts, starting with captain Riyad Mahrez, this disappointment could also mark the end of their international careers, though no official announcement has been made yet.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

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Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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