FIFA WC 2026: Switzerland 4-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina; Canada 6-0 Qatar
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Los Angeles/Vancouver: Johan Manzambi's second-half brace propelled Switzerland to a 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Los Angeles, while Jonathan David's hat-trick helped co-hosts Canada rout nine-man Qatar 6-0 in Vancouver, as Group B action produced decisive results on Friday.
In Los Angeles, Switzerland recovered from a quiet first half to dominate after the break. The Freiburg youngster, who came off the bench, struck twice to become the youngest player (20 years, 247 days) to score two or more goals in a World Cup match for Switzerland and the first Swiss substitute to net multiple World Cup goals. Ruben Vargas also featured heavily, scoring once and providing an assist after replacing a tired frontline.
Bosnia were reduced to ten men when Tarik Muharemovic received a red card for a professional foul on Breel Embolo. Ermin Mahmic grabbed a late consolation with a fierce stoppage-time strike, but Granit Xhaka sealed the win from the penalty spot in the closing stages.
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin praised his team's patience and tactical adjustments, saying they waited for the hydration break to introduce fresh, quick players and exploited the spaces as Bosnia tired.
Meanwhile in Vancouver, Canada recorded their first World Cup win as Jonathan David scored a hat-trick in a comprehensive 6-0 victory over Qatar at BC Place. Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute, tapping in a rebound, before David volleyed home in the 29th. The match turned further in Canada's favour after a serious injury to Ismael Kone in the 51st minute, when Qatar's Assim Madibo received a red card following a VAR review of a reckless challenge.
With Qatar reduced to nine players, Canada capitalised: Nathan Saliba curled in a free-kick to make it 4-0, Jacob Shaffelburg's effort was deflected for a fifth, and David completed his treble in stoppage time. Saliba celebrated his goal by holding up a replica of the injured Kone's Canada jersey; Kone was stretchered off and received on-field oxygen treatment.
The results leave Switzerland and Canada well placed in Group B. Switzerland's win took them to the top of the table, while Canada—now on four points—need only a draw against Switzerland in their final group match to secure top spot.
(Inputs from IANS)