[2026 World Cup] Switzerland Advances to Round of 16 for Fourth Straight Time with 2-0 Win Over Algeria

Breel Embolo Registers Attacking Points in Four Consecutive Matches

Switzerland secured a spot in the Round of 16 at the World Cup for the fourth consecutive time, celebrating the achievement after defeating Algeria in the round of 32 at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup.

On July 3 (Korean time), Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0 in the round of 32 match held at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada, during the 2026 North and Central America World Cup. Switzerland achieved their first-ever three-game winning streak in World Cup history, from the group stage through the round of 32.

Algeria returned to the World Cup finals for the first time in 12 years since reaching their best-ever finish in the Round of 16 at the 2014 Brazil World Cup. Although they succeeded in advancing to the knockout stage for only the second time in history, they failed to continue their momentum and ended their tournament run.

Swiss player Breel Embolo is celebrating after scoring the opening goal. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

Algeria pressed forward in the early minutes of the first half but lacked finishing ability. Instead, it was Switzerland that scored first in the 10th minute. Johan Mbanjambi broke through near the opponent's goal line and delivered a cutback pass, which Breel Embolo, positioned in front of the goal, redirected with his left foot to find the back of the net.

Embolo has now registered attacking points in four consecutive matches, tallying 2 goals and 2 assists in this tournament. He scored a penalty in the first group stage match against Qatar, and provided assists in the second match against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the third match against Canada.

Mbanjambi also continued his streak, recording attacking points in three straight matches with 3 goals and 2 assists in this tournament. He came on as a substitute in the 72nd minute of the second group stage match and scored 2 goals, and in the third match, he recorded 1 goal and 1 assist.

Switzerland extended their lead to 2-0 immediately after the start of the second half. An Algerian defender failed to clear a cross from the right flank, and the ball fell to Dan Ndoye inside the penalty box. Ndoye capitalized, scoring with a right-footed shot to split the Algerian net.

Switzerland continued to dominate the game and sought additional goals, but no further goals were scored, and they sealed the match with a 2-0 victory.

On July 8 at 5 a.m. (Korean time), Switzerland will face the winner of the Colombia-Ghana match at the same venue for a spot in the quarterfinals.

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