Switzerland moved into the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating Algeria 2-0 on Thursday. Borussia Dortmund star Gregor Kobel bagged his first clean sheet of the tournament while Ramy Bensebaini became the latest BVB star to go home.
Breel Embolo fired La Nati in front after 10 minutes from close range whereas Dan Ndoye blazed a powerful strike just seconds into the second half as the Swiss dispatched Algeria with ease and will now face either Colombia or Ghana in the last-16.
With seven points in three games, Murat Yakin's side won Group B ahead of tournament co-hosts Canada to qualify for the Round of 32 and turned in another dominant display in Vancouver last evening.
Although the Desert Warriors finished with more possession, it was Swiss who were more efficient on the ball, looking more dangerous and creating more clear-cut chances. In fact, even with just 45% of the ball, La Nati mustered more shots (11 to Algeria's 8) and more shots on target (5 to Algeria's 2) in the game.
Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel started for the fourth consecutive game at the tournament but this time, he was finally able to rack up a clean sheet that had evaded him in the group stages.
With Algeria missing in much of the attacking verve demonstrated in the enthralling 3-3 draw with Austria last week, the Switzerland custodian wasn't tested much. He had to make just two saves in the game but also showed great vigilance while coming off his line to clear any incoming danger or get his hand to crosses and set-pieces.
As for the other Dortmund player on the pitch, it was heartbreak for Ramy Bensebaini. The centre-back made a game-high of 10 ball recoveries, which highlight his enormous contribution in helping Algeria build from the back while also making three clearances.
But Bensebaini was soundly beaten for both of Switzerland's goals. He tried to close down the angle for Johan Manzambi when he laid it off for Embolo to tap home, but the BVB star was a second too late to stretch his leg out.
In the build-up to Switzerland's second goal, Bensebaini failed to clear a pass from Embolo, but Rafik Belghali seemed to have smashed it out of danger, only for it to fall to Ndoye on the edge of the box. The 25-year-old controlled it nicely and set himself up for a fine finish into the bottom corner with Bensebaini reduced to a mere spectator.
Algeria's elimination means Bensebaini is the latest Dortmund star to bow out of the competition, after seeing the club's German and Austrian contingent lose out, as well as Sweden's Daniel Svensson. Kobel and co. though, march on.
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