Canada advances to World Cup Round of 32 despite loss to Switzerland
Canada's 2–1 defeat to Switzerland on Wednesday clinches a historic knockout-round berth, the nation's first ever.
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Canada is heading to the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in the nation's soccer history after losing 2–1 to Switzerland on Wednesday afternoon in Vancouver.
The loss to Switzerland on June 24 confirms Canada will finish second in Group B and secure their spot in the Round of 32. Rubén Vargas struck first for Switzerland at the 47-minute mark, and Johan Manzambi doubled the lead to 2–0 at the 57th minute. Promise David cut it to 2–1 for Canada in the 76th minute, coming off the bench to score just under a minute after entering the game, but Canada could not find an equalizer.
Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau made an impressive save in the 10th minute, denying Swiss forward Breel Embolo a point-blank chance. Canada mounted late pressure but could not break through.
Canada finished group play with a 1–1–1 record and four points, having defeated Qatar 6–0 and drawn 1–1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their Round of 32 match is set for Sunday, June 28, in Los Angeles against the runner-up from Group A, likely South Korea or Czechia.
Canadian superstar Alphonso Davies remained on the bench throughout the match; it remains unclear whether he will appear in the knockout round.
