Borussia Dortmund star Gregor Kobel's wait for a World Cup clean sheet continued even after Switzerland's third and final group fixture but they progressed into the knockout stages.
La Nati beat Canada 2-1 on Wednesday as Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi struck apiece in the second half. Promise David pulled one back for the Canadians in the 76th minute but the tournament co-hosts fell short of finding the elusive equalizer.
The win saw Murat Yakin's side clinch Group B with seven points in three games and progress into the knockout stages as group winners and will now face a third-placed team from either Group E, F, G, I or J.
Gregor Kobel shines for Switzerland
Our boy Gregor Kobel may not have found a clean sheet again but delivered a goalkeeping masterclass here with six saves to emerge as Switzerland's man of the match.
The BVB custodian was in an inspired form on the day, standing up to Canadian aggression like a rock and making a series of vital saves.
His excellent game-reading ability also saw the player to come off his line to collect the ball four times in the match as Kobel was vigilant throughout and commanded his area with authority.
Given his towering stature, the Maple Leaves were unable to get anything from set-piece situations either, with Kobel on-hand to claim once.
However, he stood no chance for David's goal as the 28-year-old was way off his line and saw his chance at a clean sheet taken away yet again.
Nathan Saliba raced down the right to connect with a cross which prompted Kobel to get forward but he stole clear of his marker by taking a touch and then squaring it to David on the left.
The 24-year-old burst inside the box to make a superb first-time finish from the outside of his boot into an empty net with Kobel way off to make a save.
Switzerland wait to learn their last-32 opponents
With the knockout stage progression sealed, Switzerland now wait to see whom their next opponents will be in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
La Nati are drawn to face a third-placed team from either Group E, F, G, I or J, which are currently Ecuador, Sweden, Belgium, Senegal and Algeria.
Given that some of these teams are still to play their third group fixture, the third-place rankings could still change and Switzerland might a completely different team altogether.
Add us as a preferred source on Google