The Swiss national team made a significant claim for advancing to the playoffs of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Murat Yakin’s squad crushed the Bosnians (4:1), accomplishing both tasks – gaining points and noticeably improving their goal difference.
The opening phase of the match was dominated by the Swiss team, which controlled the ball more and attacked down the flanks aiming for sharp crosses. However, there were constant problems with the last part of this plan – the ball repeatedly failed to find a recipient. Bosnia, in their rare counterattacks, tried to make the most of Edin Džeko, but the veteran never got a chance to score.
The game continued in a similar vein after the break. The turning point came in the 72nd minute when Yakin made a triple substitution, bringing on Ruben Vargas, Djibril Sow, and Joan Manzambi. Just two minutes after a cross from the flank and an unsuccessful clearance by the Bosnian defense, Manzambi opened the scoring with an accurate shot.
Conceding one goal did not strategically affect Bosnia’s prospects, as they have a match against Qatar scheduled in the third round. However, in the 80th minute, an incident occurred that fundamentally changed the situation on the field. Enis Muharemović fouled Breel Embolo, who was running one-on-one, and received a direct red card.
With the numerical advantage, the Swiss immediately pressed the opponent. First, Vargas doubled the lead with a precise shot into the far bottom corner, and then he assisted Manzambi, who completed a brace. The Bosnians managed to respond with a consolation goal following a corner kick and a powerful volley from Mahmić, but the final word belonged to Murat Yakin’s team. In added time, Switzerland earned a penalty, which Granit Xhaka calmly converted – 4:1.
Thanks to this victory, the Swiss team has gained four points and made a significant step towards reaching the round of 16, topping Group B at least until the parallel match between Canada and Qatar concludes. Bosnia’s position, even in the fight for third place, now looks quite vulnerable.
World Cup 2026
Switzerland – Bosnia 4:1 (0:0)
Goals: Manzambi, 74 (1:0); R. Vargas, 84 (2:0); Manzambi, 90 (3:0); Mahmić, 93 (3:1); G. Xhaka, 97 (penalty) (4:1)
