Switzerland End Long Knockout Drought
Switzerland forward Dan Ndoye said the team is happy with their historic Round of 32 win over Algeria at the FIFA World Cup 2026, but stressed they "want more." The 2-0 victory in Vancouver marked Switzerland's first World Cup knockout win since 1954, when they hosted the tournament and won a playoff to advance from the group stage after finishing level with Italy, according to the FIFA website.
Goals from Embolo and Ndoye Seal Victory
Breel Embolo opened the scoring in the 10th minute, finishing a brilliant move initiated by Johan Manzambi. The winger produced a solo run down the left flank before reaching the byline and delivering a pinpoint cross, which Embolo converted from close range. Holding a 1-0 lead at half-time, Switzerland doubled their advantage immediately after the restart when Dan Ndoye struck in the 46th minute. The goal came after a defensive clearance fell kindly to him outside the box, allowing him to fire a low effort into the net.
Algeria Unable to Mount Comeback
Algeria, led by Riyad Mahrez, attempted to mount a comeback but failed to break through the disciplined Swiss defence. Switzerland also came close to adding a third late on, though Fabian Rieder missed a gilt-edged opportunity. Despite the missed chance, the Swiss side comfortably saw out the match, registering a 2-0 win and booking their place in the Round of 16.
Ndoye: "We Want More"
Ndoye acknowledged the significance of the win but emphasized the team's focus on future matches. "We know that what we did today is special but we want more. We are happy today and tomorrow we will think about the next step and the next game, the next opponent," he said. Ndoye added that the victory felt very special and important, calling it a historic moment for the nation. "It feels great, really great. It was really important for us to win today. We wrote one page of history for our nation and we hope we will continue like that because this is what we have dreamt about that. Not just the players, but the country has been dreaming about this and we want to continue to make them dream," he added.
Next Match for Switzerland
Switzerland will remain in Vancouver, where they will next take on either Colombia or Ghana on July 7.
