2026 FIFA World Cup: Round of 32 – Switzerland vs Algeria

Switzerland face Algeria in a intriguing Round of 32 match-up at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Switzerland advanced to this stage as Group B winners, whilst Algeria progressed as the sixth-best third-placed finisher after they finished third in Group J.

 

Team News

Switzerland have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 2-1 win over Canada in their final Group B match.

Algeria could be without forward, Mohamed Amoura after he missed their last two matches due to a hamstring injury.

Rayan Ait-Nouri was dropped to the bench in their 3-3 draw against Austria but is expected to return to the starting line-up in place of Jaouen Hadjam.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Switzerland face Algeria at BC Place, Vancouver, on Thursday 2 July at 8pm PT (4:00am BST, Friday 3 July), live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Switzerland’s first World Cup meeting against Algeria.
• Algeria have lost their two previous meetings against Switzerland in all competitions (L2), having lost 2-1 and 2-0 in friendlies in November 1983 and May 1986.
• Six of Switzerland’s seven goals in the Group Stage were scored after half time, with their sole first-half goal having come from a 17th-minute penalty in their 1-1 draw against Qatar.
• Algeria have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight World Cup matches (W2, D2, L4).

 

Prediction

Having convincingly topped Group B with a clinical victory over Canada, Switzerland have to feel that this is a very winnable tie if they can continue their recent form but I now would like to see them score more in the first half, otherwise they could struggle when come up against a top opponent.

Algeria meanwhile just don’t seem to do clean sheets at World Cups and threw away a win against Austria in the closing moments after twice coming from behind to lead, which shows how defensively vulnerable they’re despite their clear firepower.

I however do think that the Swiss will be far too strong if they can find at least one first-half goal as they’ve had just over a week to prepare unlike Algeria, whose defence just feels like it will be beaten by a strong solid opponent.

Prediction: Switzerland 2-1 Algeria