Switzerland are very close to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 after securing a 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in their Group B fixture at Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday.
A brace from 20-year-old midfielder Johan Manzambi, as well as goals from Rubén Vargas and captain Granit Xhaka, ensured Switzerland claimed all three points, taking them top of Group B.
Both teams came into the game looking for their first win of the tournament as Switzerland drew with Qatar 1-1 in their opening match, while Bosnia also held co-hosts Canada to a 1-1 draw.
However, neither side was able to break the deadlock until late in the second half when Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin made a couple of very impactful substitutions, bringing on Johan Manzambi, Rubén Vargas, and Djibril Sow.
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In the 74th minute, just two minutes after coming on, Johan Manzambi scored his first-ever World Cup goal to give the Red Devils a deserved lead. Things then went from bad to worse for Bosnia as Tarik Muharemovic was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity in the 80th minute.
Switzerland took full advantage of the numerical superiority to extend their lead. Just four minutes later, another substitute Rubén Vargas found the net to make it 2-0. In the 90th minute, Vargas added an assist to his goal, finding Manzambi who scored his second goal of the game to make it 3-0.
Bosnia reduced the deficit in the 93rd minute through Ermin Mahmic who scored his first international goal just two minutes after coming on to make the scoreline 3-1. However, Granit Xhaka restored Switzerland’s three-goal lead with a last-minute penalty, sealing a crucial 4-1 victory.
The result means that Switzerland are now top of Group B with four points while Bosnia sit bottom with one point. Bosnia must now win their final group game against Qatar on Wednesday, June 24 to give themselves a chance of reaching the next round.
Meanwhile, Switzerland only need a draw in their final group game against Canada at the same time to advance to the round of 32.
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