Form and Line-up Switzerland
Switzerland, after a frustrating 1:1 draw with Qatar in which the team let victory slip in the 94th minute, showed character in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Until the 74th minute, the scoreboard showed bleak zeros, but after several substitutions by Murat Yakin, the Swiss game took on fresh colour. The most impressive performers were 20-year-old Johan Manzambi, who scored twice and produced a superb volley, and Ruben Vargas, who provided two assists and scored himself. Granit Xhaka controlled the tempo in midfield and converted a penalty, while Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye constantly created danger near the opposition goal.
Yakin switched the system to a 4-3-1-2, with Rieder as the number 10 and a pair of forwards, and that paid off: the team scored four goals after the break, when Bosnia tired and made mistakes. Switzerland consistently had the ball (62% against Bosnia) and converted four of their seven shots on target. However, the late goal conceded from a corner (Mahmic) is a reminder of their problems at set pieces, which could become critical against Canada’s powerful attack.
Key numbers Switzerland:
Switzerland have four points after two rounds, the same as Canada, but it is the hosts who are top because of their better goal difference (+3 versus +6).
In seven of their last eight matches, they and their opponents have both scored.
They have not lost any of their last nine matches against teams from North and Central America — six wins and three draws.
Probable Switzerland line-up (4-3-1-2): Gregor Kobel — Silvan Widmer, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez — Michel Aebischer, Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler — Fabian Rieder — Breel Embolo, Dan Ndoye.
Absentees: Miro Muheim (doubtful).
Form and Line-up Canada
Canada come into the match against Switzerland after thrashing Qatar 6:0, the biggest win in Canadian football history at the World Cup. Jesse Marsch’s team showed fantastic finishing. Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute, while Jonathan David, who had missed a host of chances in the game against Bosnia (1:1), scored a hat-trick.
The Canadians made good use of their numerical advantage — Homam Al-Amin was sent off in the 33rd minute, and by the 53rd minute Qatar were playing out the match with nine men. The only downside was the injury to Ismael Kone, who was ruled out with fractures of the fibula and tibia and will not play again at the tournament.
Canada’s defence looks reliable (only one goal conceded in two matches), but against Qatar, who played with nine men, the test was not the most serious one. A draw is enough for Canada to win the group, giving the team tactical freedom to play on the counterattack and use their pace advantage.
Key numbers Canada:
Jonathan David scored three goals against Qatar and moved to the top of the scoring charts alongside Lionel Messi (three goals).
In their last 13 matches, the Canadians have kept clean sheets in nine of them, conceding only five goals over that run.
They have not lost in seven consecutive matches against European national teams — three wins and four draws.
Probable Canada line-up (4-4-2): Maxime Crepeau — Alistair Johnston, Luc de Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea — Tajon Buchanan, Stephen Eustaquio, Nathan-Dylan Saliba, Ali Ahmed — Jonathan David, Cyle Larin.
Absentees: Ismael Kone (injured, ruled out for the rest of the World Cup), Alphonso Davies, Alfi Jones (both doubtful).
Who will referee the match
Ramon Abatti (Brazil)
Matches – 12 (International matches, 2025-2026);
Average fouls per match – 25;
Average Y/C per match (including second yellows) – 3;
Matches with R/C – 4 out of 12;
Matches with penalties – 5 out of 12.














