Switzerland advance as Group B winners, Bosnia keep knockout hopes alive

KATHMANDU: Switzerland secured top spot in Group B and booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over hosts Canada at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on Wednesday.

Ruben Vargas opened the scoring for Switzerland just one minute into the second half, finding the net in the 46th minute to give his side the lead. Johan Manzambi doubled Switzerland’s advantage in the 57th minute, putting the Europeans firmly in control of the contest.

Canada responded in the 76th minute through Promise David, whose goal reignited hopes of a comeback. However, the hosts were unable to find an equalizer as Switzerland held on to claim all three points.

The victory saw Switzerland finish atop Group B with seven points from three matches. Despite the defeat, Canada also progressed to the knockout stage after securing second place in the group with four points.

Bosnia and Herzegovina finished level on four points with Canada but were placed third on goal difference. Nevertheless, their chances of advancing as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams remain very much alive.

Earlier in the day, Bosnia and Herzegovina boosted their hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in history with an impressive 3-1 victory over Qatar.

Bosnia made a dream start when young forward Alajbegovic dribbled past two defenders before unleashing a stunning strike from outside the penalty area that left Qatari goalkeeper Meshaal Aissa Barsham Abunada with no chance.

Veteran captain Edin Džeko, making his 150th international appearance, played a pivotal role in Bosnia’s attacking dominance. His influence led to the second goal as a deflected effort found its way into the net after ricocheting off Sultan Al-Brake and goalkeeper Abunada.

Džeko nearly added another shortly afterward, but his effort struck the post after he had beaten the goalkeeper.

Qatar pulled a goal back in the 42nd minute through experienced captain Hassan Al-Haydos, rewarding the faith shown in him by head coach Julen Lopetegui. Bosnia survived another scare just before halftime when Pedro Miguel’s effort crashed against the woodwork.

A heartbreaking moment followed for Qatar in the second half as Al-Haydos was forced off injured in the 55th minute, leaving the field in tears in what could be his final World Cup appearance and potentially the closing chapter of his distinguished international career.

Chances were limited after the break, though Bosnia continued to threaten. Esmir Bajraktarević came close with a powerful effort from the right flank, but Abunada produced a fine save to keep Qatar in the contest.

Bosnia eventually sealed victory late in the match when Mahmić finished from close range to score the team’s third goal. The 21-year-old celebrated by removing his shirt and received a yellow card, but that did little to dampen the jubilant scenes among the Bosnian players.

The result leaves Bosnia and Herzegovina on four points and in a strong position to qualify for the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. Qatar, meanwhile, finish their campaign with just one point and are eliminated from the tournament.

Group B Final Standings

1. Switzerland – 7 points (Qualified)
2. Canada – 4 points (Qualified)
3. Bosnia and Herzegovina – 4 points (Knockout hopes alive)
4. Qatar – 1 point (Eliminated)