Switzerland meets old acquaintance from Algeria for place in World Cup round of 16
After different campaigns in the group stage, Switzerland and Algeria compete in the early hours of this Friday (3), at 00:00 (Brasília time), at BC Place, in Vancouver, for a place in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. On the one hand, the Swiss arrive motivated by the undefeated leadership of group B. On the other, the Algerians try to transform a campaign marked by tension, controversies and a special reunion on the edge of the lawn.
The main character of the match will be on the bench. Algeria's current coach, Vladimir Petkovic, will face the team he led between 2014 and 2021. Under his command, Switzerland competed in the 2018 World Cup, reached the quarter-finals of the 2021 Euro Cup and consolidated one of the most important phases in its recent history. Now, the coach is trying to eliminate the country where he built much of his career.
On the Swiss side, the reunion is also treated with respect. Coach Murat Yakin highlighted the relationship built with the opponent and praised the former commander's work. "I know Vladimir Petkovic very well. It will be a pleasure to see him again. Algeria is an interesting team, with many individual qualities," he said.
The Swiss campaign gained momentum after a start below expectations. The team drew 1-1 with Qatar in their debut, but reacted with victories over Bosnia (4-1) and Canada (2-1), results that guaranteed the leadership of the group.
The experienced Granit Xhaka remains the team's main leader, while Breel Embolo is the offensive hope. Another name that caught attention was the young Johan Manzambi. Used as a starter just once, the attacking midfielder has three goals and one assist, emerging as one of the candidates for the best young player award in the competition.
Despite the regularity in recent World Cups, Switzerland lives with an important taboo. The team has not won a World Cup knockout match since 1938. In the last three editions, it fell precisely in the round of 16.
The Algerian classification was much more turbulent. After a 3-0 defeat to Argentina in their debut, the team beat Jordan 2-1 and secured their place with a 3-3 draw against Austria, in a game surrounded by criticism.
Equality classified the two teams and ended up being received with boos from the public. The duel, despite the high intensity in the final minutes, raised questions. At several moments, it gave the impression that it would be a "match of friends", and the result put both teams in the knockout stages.
On the field, Riyad Mahrez remains Algeria's highlight. The winger from Al-Ahli, from Saudi Arabia, concentrates much of the team's offensive creativity and will have the mission of leading the Africans against the Swiss.
Another concern is the goal. Petkovic has already used Luca Zidane and Oussama Benbot during the group stage, but neither of them managed to provide security. The uncertainty in the position remains one of the team's main doubts for the decisive clash.
It will be the first official meeting between Switzerland and Algeria. The teams faced each other only twice, both in friendlies in the 1980s, with two Swiss victories. Whoever advances will face the winner of Colombia and Ghana in the round of 16, also in Vancouver.
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Source: CNN