Besides an unfortunate draw against Qatar, Switzerland dominated both Canada and Bosnia & Herzegovina in their group matches. Algeria’s back line did a terrible job so far and that’s the primary reason why I’m backing the European side.
Key Stats
- Switzerland have won their last 2 matches.
- Switzerland have won their last 2 matches against Algeria.
- Johan Manzambi has scored 3 goals in his last 2 matches for Switzerland.
- Algeria have conceded 7 goals in their last 3 matches.
Switzerland Lead H2H
This is going to be the third time these two sides lock horns and Switzerland were victorious in both friendlies so far, 2-1 in 1983 and 2-0 in 1986.
Swiss are Very Disciplined
Switzerland kicked off the World Cup 2026 with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Qatar. The Red Crosses had a strong start, Breel Embolo converting a penalty in the 17th minute and pretty much controlled everything (3.20-0.60 xG, 68% possession and 26-6 shots) but conceded deep in stoppage time.
Murat Yakin’s side needed 74 minutes to crack Bosnia & Herzegovina’s defence in the second round, with Johan Manzambi scoring the opener just three minutes after coming on as a substitute. They went on to win 4-1, while Ruben Vargas and Granit Xhaka also got on the scoresheet. Manzambi added his second goal in stoppage time.
Third round clash against Canada was basically battle for 1st place which Switzerland won 2-1. Youngster Manzambi played key role here, netting one goal and providing an assist for Ruben Vargas.
Algeria Failed to Impress in Group Stage
Besides an early goal of Fares Chaibi which was disallowed by VAR, Algeria haven’t shown anything in their opening match against Argentina, suffering a well-deserved 3-0 loss here, posting just 0.33 xG and firing zero shots on target.
Start of the second round clash against underdog Jordan was also far from impressive, trailing by one goal at the break but eventually pulled a comeback and won 2-1 thanks to goals scored by Nadir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri.
Algeria needed one point in the final round against Switzerland to secure playoffs and ultimately settled for a 3-3 draw, conceding third goal deep in stoppage time but considering all stats and chances, it was a fair outcome. Veteran Riyad Mahrez netted a brace here.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Switzerland (4-2-3-1) Gregor Kobel; Silvan Widmer, Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, Ricardo Rodriguez; Remo Freuler, Granit Xhaka; Dan Ndoye, Johan Manzambi, Ruben Vargas; Breel Embolo
Midfielder Miro Muheim fully recovered from a brief calf issue and was present in training. Johan Manzambi's form has been phenomenal so I expect them to be in the starting lineup here.
Midfielder Miro Muheim fully recovered from a brief calf issue and was present in training. Johan Manzambi's form has been phenomenal so I expect them to be in the starting lineup here.
Algeria (4-3-3) Luca Zidane; Rafik Belghali, Ramy Bensebaini, Aissa Mandi, Rayan Ait-Nouri; Ramiz Zerrouki, Hicham Boudaoui, Ibrahim Maza; Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Amoura, Amine Gouiri
Riyad Mahrez had some fitness problems early in the tournament but the latest reports state he is ready for at least 90 minutes here. He is currently at two goals and two assists at the World Cup 2026.
Riyad Mahrez had some fitness problems early in the tournament but the latest reports state he is ready for at least 90 minutes here. He is currently at two goals and two assists at the World Cup 2026.