Switzerland seized control of Group B with a clinical two-goal burst immediately after the interval, defeating Canada 2-1 at BC Place in Vancouver and condemning the co-hosts to a longer road in the knockout phase. The match pivoted in the 46th minute when Johan Manzambi, deployed on the right flank, accelerated past his marker and delivered a low cross that Ruben Vargas, arriving unmarked at the far post, steered past goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau. Eleven minutes later, Breel Embolo held off two defenders on the edge of the area and slipped a pass to Manzambi, whose right-footed shot squirmed through Crépeau’s attempted save. The 20-year-old’s third goal of the tournament, added to his earlier assist, underscored his emergence as Switzerland’s most decisive attacker.

The first half had offered little warning of such incision. Switzerland’s best chance fell to Embolo in the 10th minute, but his low drive was blocked by Crépeau, and Manzambi’s follow-up was smothered by defender Derek Cornelius. Canada, needing only a draw to top the group, grew into the contest and forced Gregor Kobel into routine saves from Cyle Larin and Ali Ahmed. Yet neither side managed a shot on target that truly threatened to break the deadlock, and the teams went into the break with the group leadership still hanging in the balance.

Canada’s response after falling two goals behind was spirited but belated. Coach Jesse Marsch made a triple substitution just before the hour, and the introduction of Promise David in the 75th minute yielded an immediate dividend. With his first touch, the striker stretched to volley Nathan Saliba’s curling cross inside the left post, igniting the home crowd. In the frantic closing stages, Derek Cornelius headed narrowly wide from a set-piece, and Kobel was forced into a diving stop in added time, but Switzerland’s defence, marshalled by Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi, held firm.

The result left Switzerland on seven points, unbeaten and in first place, while Canada finished second on four points, edging Bosnia and Herzegovina on goal difference after the Bosnians beat Qatar 3-1. For Canada, the defeat carried a tangible cost: instead of remaining in Vancouver for a round-of-32 tie against a third-placed side, they must travel to Los Angeles to face the Group A runner-up on 28 June. Switzerland, by contrast, stays in Vancouver to meet one of the best third-placed finishers from Groups E, F, G, I or J on 2 July. Bosnia, with four points, must wait to learn whether their tally is enough to advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams.