By ANNE M. PETERSON, AP Soccer Writer
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Rubén Vargas and Johan Manzambi both scored to give Switzerland a 2-1 victory over Canada on Wednesday at the World Cup as both teams advanced to the knockout round.
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Promise David scored a late goal for Canada, which took second place in Group B behind the Swiss and earned a spot in the knockout round for the first time in its history.
Switzerland will face a third-place finisher on July 2 in Vancouver in the round of 32. Canada needed a win or a draw to finish at the top of the group and stay on home soil, but instead will travel to Inglewood, California, for its next game on Sunday against the second-place finisher in Group B.
Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel (1) jumps to make a save during the World Cup Group B soccer match between Switzerland and Canada in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau (16) is scored on by Switzerland’s Ruben Vargas during the World Cup Group B soccer match between Switzerland and Canada in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)
Switzerland’s Johan Manzambi (9) celebrates scoring their second goal during the World Cup Group B soccer match between Switzerland and Canada in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)
Canada’s Ismael Kone, who broke his leg in a match against Qatar on June 18, watches teammates warm up before the World Cup Group B soccer match between Switzerland and Canada in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)
Switzerland’s Ruben Vargas (17) is mobbed by teammates after scoring their first goal during the World Cup Group B soccer match between Switzerland and Canada in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)
After a scoreless first half, Vargas put the Swiss ahead early in the second. Manzambi, who started after coming off the bench and scoring two goals in a 4-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday, added a goal in the 57th.
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Canada pulled a goal back in the 76th. David’s volley came on his first touch of the game about a minute after coming on as a substitute.
Bosnia beat Qatar 3-1 in the other Group B match and could still advance as a third-place team. Qatar has been eliminated.
AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup