SOCCER: Manzambi at the heart of Switzerland's long-awaited knockout success

VANCOUVER — Switzerland advanced to the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 after defeating Algeria, 2-0, on Thursday, with 20-year-old Johan Manzambi once again playing a key role in the team's success.

Manzambi helped set up Switzerland's opening goal, delivering a low cross from the left flank for Breel Embolo to finish. The victory ended Switzerland's 88-year wait for a World Cup knockout-stage win.

The young midfielder continued his impressive tournament after contributing three goals and one assist before the match. He also scored once and provided an assist in Switzerland's 2-1 group-stage victory over co-host Canada, earning a second straight World Cup start from coach Murat Yakin.

Manzambi impressed with his composure and versatility, fitting seamlessly alongside experienced midfielders Granit Xhaka, Denis Zakaria, and Remo Freuler.

After taking the lead, Switzerland shifted into a five-man midfield, giving Manzambi the freedom to operate in multiple areas of the pitch. Despite appearing in his first World Cup, the 20-year-old handled the responsibility well, contributing both offensively and defensively.

"I think that you can really use Manzambi on every single position," Yakin told reporters. "He's incredibly versatile and assertive."

"He has a lot of speed with the ball. He found amazing situations two or three times. But he also had to work defensively. And the longer the match went on, the more difficult it got for him."

"But then you need small moments when you expect a player to really help out the team. There was a moment when we had to work defensively, and he still had the strength to carry the ball and play it 60 meters across the pitch."

"Manzambi is evolving in the tournament. I think that in the beginning it really didn't look like it. But I am just very happy with his development."

The win was another milestone for Switzerland, which had been eliminated in the round of 16 at the 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups. The three-time quarterfinalists have not reached the last eight since 1954.

Switzerland will next face either Colombia or Ghana in Vancouver for a place in the quarterfinals. -Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Vancouver; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters