Vladimir Petkovic is eyeing a first knockout stage win at the World Cup for Algeria against the side he coached for seven years.
Round of 32
Friday, 3 July | BC Place Vancouver
Kick-off time
11:00 (GMT+8)
The match
The Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ continues with this intriguing clash between Switzerland and Algeria in Vancouver. The Swiss finished top of Group B unbeaten while their opponents had an epic path to reaching the knockout stages, drawing a thrilling last game with Austria 3-3 that included conceding a stoppage-time equaliser which meant they finished third in Group J instead of second.
All eyes will be on Swiss youngster Johan Manzambi, who has already staked his claim to win the FIFA Young Player Award with three goals and an assist in his previous three games, only one of which he started. Switzerland are aiming to reach the Round of 16 of the World Cup for the fourth consecutive occasion, while Algeria are hoping to record a first win in the knockout stage, having fallen at the last-16 hurdle in 2014 to eventual winners Germany.
Coach Vladimir Petkovic knows his opponents inside out, having been in charge of Switzerland for seven years and at three major tournaments including the 2018 World Cup. The two nations have never played a competitive fixture before but there have been two previous friendlies between them – both played in the 1980s and both won by Switzerland.
The winners of this Round of 32 game will get to remain in Vancouver to face either Colombia or Ghana in the Round of 16 on 7 July.
Switzerland possible starting XI
Kobel; Jaquez, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka; Sow, Manzambi, Vargas; Embolo
Algeria possible starting XI
Benbot, Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Hadjam; Chaibi, Bentaleb; Mahrez, Maza, Aouar; Gouiri
What they said…
“We have a lot of players in good shape. We are in good shape also as a team. We laugh a lot, so we are really confident to play this next game.” Michel Aebischer, Switzerland midfielder
“We’re building a winning mentality, step by step. In major tournaments, it’s important to try to keep improving game by game, and that’s what we’re doing.” Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria coach
BC Place Vancouver
Now into its fifth decade of existence, BC Place Vancouver remains a jaw-dropping piece of architecture situated on the banks of the False Creek inlet. The arena is the home of MLS team Vancouver Whitecaps and the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) BC Lions, and has also occasionally hosted the Canada national team. One of the most memorable matches at BC Place Vancouver came when the venue hosted the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015™, where USA defeated defending champions Japan 5-2.
At the 2026 World Cup, BC has hosted several memorable games including Canada’s 6-0 humbling of Qatar, Egypt’s first ever World Cup victory – 3-1 over New Zealand – and Belgium’s 5-1 triumph against the All Whites. Switzerland have played here once already, beating co-hosts Canada.