DUBAI: Algeria have become the latest African nation to depart the 2026 World Cup after a 2-0 loss to Switzerland in Vancouver on Friday morning.
Algeria had never won a World Cup knockout match before, having lost on their only previous attempt to eventual champions Germany 2-1 in 2014, while the last time Switzerland had pulled off that feat was in 1938.
The winner would remain in Vancouver to face Ghana or Columbia in Vancouver on Tuesday, July 7.
Algeria started the brighter of the two teams, once again employing a high press with their fullbacks pushing forward at every opportunity.
After only six minutes Houssem Aouar miscued a fine opportunity when captain Riyad Mahrez had allowed Rafik Belghali’s cross to bypass him from the right.
Moments later Algeria were calling for a penalty when Manuel Akanji challenged Ramiz Zerrouki in the penalty area but the referee waved play on.
Having had to absorb the pressure in the early stages of the match, it was Switzerland, however, that took the lead on 10 minutes when Breel Embolo tapped from close range after Johan Manzambi’s stunning run and cross from the left.
Denis Zakaria could have doubled Switzerland’s lead five minutes later but scoffed his shot after Manzambi had sauntered once again through the Algerian defense.
Algeria were consistently struggling to deal with Manzambi’s pace and on 35 minutes, Fares Chaibi was booked for taking down the Swiss forward as he threatened again.
From the resulting free kick, Zakaria headed over the bar. Chaibi could have redeemed himself after 43 minutes but his weak shot was easily gathered by Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
The gifted 20-year-old Ibrahim Maza, who starred in the dramatic 3-3 group stage match against Austria, had the last chance of the half, skewing his left-foot shot wide after the ball had fell kindly for him near the goal area.
Algeria were dealt a major blow when Switzerland doubled their lead less than a minute into the second half, Dan Ndoye scoring after the defense twice failed to clear the ball. The African team were now facing a mountain to climb; Switzerland had yet to concede more than one goal in a single match at the 2026 World Cup.
Four minutes after the restart, Mahrez could have reduced the deficit from Belghali’s excellent pass but his shot was struck straight at Kobel.
Algeria’s desperation for a goal increased throughout the second period, but clear chances were rare as Switzerland took control, with a Round of 16 spot now within reach.
With 10 minutes left an astonishing miss by Fabian Rieder maintained Algeria’s fading hopes momentarily, but there would be no reprieve for them. Their wait for a World Cup knockout-stage win continues.
