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Switzerland eased past Algeria 2-0 to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, leaving Morocco as Africa’s only remaining representative after five nations crashed out.
(Credit: AP)
Switzerland became the latest team to book its place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 with a composed 2-0 victory over Algeria in Vancouver on Thursday, ending another African challenge and leaving Morocco as the continent’s sole remaining representative.
The Swiss barely looked troubled as they produced a disciplined display to eliminate Algeria, which joined Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Senegal and South Africa among the African nations knocked out in the Round of 32.
Switzerland will now face the winner of Friday’s clash between Colombia and Ghana for a place in the quarterfinals.
How It Unfolded
The breakthrough arrived after a lively spell from Johan Manzambi, whose pace and direct running caused constant problems down the left flank. The winger burst past his marker before delivering a pinpoint low cross that Breel Embolo calmly converted from close range to hand Switzerland a deserved first-half lead.
Any hopes of an Algerian comeback were dashed almost immediately after the restart.
Just a minute into the second half, Rafik Belghali’s attempted clearance fell kindly to Dan Ndoye, who controlled the loose ball before drilling a low effort through a crowded penalty area. Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane managed to get a hand to the shot but could not keep it out as Switzerland doubled its advantage.
Algeria struggled to create meaningful openings against a well-organised Swiss defence and rarely looked capable of mounting a comeback despite enjoying spells of possession.
The defeat also marked another disappointing chapter for African football at the expanded World Cup. With Algeria’s exit, five African teams have now been eliminated in the knockout stage, leaving Morocco carrying the continent’s hopes heading into the Round of 16.
(with AFP inputs)
About the Author
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His…Read More
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