LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – African representatives at the FIFA World Cup 2026 have now been reduced to just four countries after Algeria suffered a 2-0 loss to Switzerland in the round of 32.
Algeria, managed by former Switzerland boss Vladimir Petkovic, started the encounter on the front foot, dictating the tempo and dictating early possession.
However, it was Switzerland who struck against the run of play in the 10th minute.
Twenty-year-old breakout talent Johan Manzambi produced a dazzling solo run down the flank, skipping past his marker before sending a low, pinpoint cross into the box.
Embolo reacted quickest, poking the ball home from close range to give the Europeans an early lead and record his 26th international goal.
Algeria attempted to find an immediate response, but Houssem Aouar’s tame effort was easily gathered by Gregor Kobel in goal for Switzerland.
The second half began in catastrophic fashion for the Desert Foxes, who undid their tactical adjustments within 60 seconds of the restart.
A poor defensive clearance from Algeria gifted possession to Switzerland in a dangerous area. The ball fell kindly to Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye, who unleashed a powerful low drive from the edge of the box, beating goalkeeper Luca Zidane to make it 2-0.
Down by two, Algeria threw bodies forward. Former Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez had his best chance of the evening blocked inside the area by his former club teammate Manuel Akanji.
Petkovic rung the changes for Algeria, pulling off veterans Mahrez and Nabil Bentaleb in the 70th minute, but the substitutions did little to crack open a resolute Swiss defense marshaled by Granit Xhaka on his historic 150th international cap.
Switzerland should have added a third late in the game, but substitute Fabian Rieder inexplicably missed an open goal from close range.
The defeat spells a disappointing end to Algeria’s memorable return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2014. Defending anomalies cost the North Africans dearly, having conceded nine goals across their four matches in the tournament.
Following the final whistle, Algerian legend Riyad Mahrez officially announced his retirement from international football, drawing the curtains on a stellar career that yielded 119 caps, 40 goals, and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations title.
Switzerland remains unbeaten in the competition and will face either Colombia or Ghana in the round of 16 in Vancouver on Tuesday.
On the African side of things, only Morocco, have qualified for the round of 16, while Ghana, Egypt and Cape Verde remain in contention, but they are yet to progress to the last 16.
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