Switzerland, Algeria meet Thursday in World Cup's round of 32 in Vancouver

Switzerland's Johan Manzambi (9) celebrates after scoring as Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau reacts during the World Cup Group B soccer match between Switzerland and Canada in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

VANCOUVER — Switzerland had to wait until late Saturday night to learn who they’ll be playing in their first World Cup knockout match on Thursday at BC Place Stadium.

Algeria, which earned a dramatic 3-3 draw with Austria on Saturday in Kansas City, finished third in Group J with a win, loss and draw in its group and will play in Vancouver against Switzerland.

Defending champion Argentina (3-0-0) and Austria (1-1-1) also advanced from Group J.

Switzerland topped Group B with two wins and a draw, finishing ahead of Canada (1-1-1), Bosnia-Herzegovina (1-1-1) and Qatar (0-1-2).

Switzerland defeated Canada 2-1 on Wednesday at BC Place, earning the right to stay in Vancouver. Canada opens the round-of-32 knockout stage playing South Africa on Sunday in Los Angeles.

Switzerland finished group-stage play with seven goals for and three against, while Algeria scored five times and allowed seven goals.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 27, 2026.