Manzambi dazzles as Switzerland cruise into last 16 with win over Algeria
Switzerland advanced to the World Cup round of 16 after a 2-0 victory over Algeria, led by standout performances from Johan Manzambi. The 20-year-old forward has become the youngest player to reach five goal involvements in a single tournament this millennium.
Why it matters
The match highlights the emergence of new talent in international football and Switzerland's historic progression in the 2026 World Cup.
Johan Manzambi celebrates as he inspired Switzerland to a spot in the World Cup last 16. Photograph: Amy Elle/SPP/Shutterstock Johan Manzambi celebrates as he inspired Switzerland to a spot in the World Cup last 16. Photograph: Amy Elle/SPP/Shutterstock World Cup 2026 Manzambi dazzles as Switzerland stroll into last 16 with win over Algeria Ben Fisher at BC Place Vancouver Fri 3 Jul 2026 01.11 EDT Last modified on Fri 3 Jul 2026 05.44 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google No wonder Newcastle United are working overtime to wrap up a deal for Johan Manzambi. The secret, if there was such a thing, is well and truly out when it comes to the 20-year-old Freiburg forward who destroyed the Algeria defence to tee up Breel Embolo for Switzerland’s opener in an ominously comfortable victory to reach the last 16. Granit Xhaka, as any good captain would, has tried to keep a lid on soaring expectations, but doing so just got that bit tougher after Switzerland recorded a win in a World Cup knockout game for the first time since 1938.
Sports reporting focused on match statistics and player performance.
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