Switzerland defeated Canada 2-1 on Wednesday to finish top of Group B and secure a favourable route into the World Cup knockout stage.
Despite the defeat, Canada also celebrated qualification for the Round of 32, achieving the feat for the first time in their history.
Both teams entered the match knowing victory would guarantee first place and a potentially easier draw in the next round.
Second-half goals from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi proved enough to hand Switzerland all three points in Vancouver.
Promise David pulled one back late for Canada, but the comeback fell just short.
The result left Switzerland on seven points at the top of the standings.
Canada finished second, three points behind the group winners, and advanced to the knockout stage.
Before the 2026 tournament, Canada had never won a World Cup match.
Their impressive campaign has now delivered a historic place in the last 32.
The Canadians will face the runners-up from Group A in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Switzerland will take on one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams next week.
Elsewhere in the group, Bosnia-Herzegovina defeated Qatar 3-1 to finish third.
However, Bosnia-Herzegovina must wait to discover whether four points will be enough for qualification.
Ahead of kick-off, Canadian midfielder Ismael Kone received an emotional reception from supporters.
Kone entered the pitch in a wheelchair after suffering a broken leg during Canada’s 6-0 victory over Qatar.
Fans inside BC Place rose to their feet and applauded the injured midfielder.
Switzerland created the first major opportunity after just 10 minutes.
Breel Embolo found himself in a promising position but shot directly at the goalkeeper.
Johan Manzambi reacted quickly to the rebound but saw his effort blocked by a defender.
Canada responded with chances of their own as the first half progressed.
Cyle Larin came close after cutting inside and attempting a curling effort beyond goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
The Swiss goalkeeper remained alert and denied the danger.
Kobel was called into action again before halftime.
He got down smartly to push away a shot from Ali Ahmed.
After an entertaining opening half, Switzerland made the breakthrough immediately after the restart.
A simple pass released Manzambi down the right flank.
The young midfielder delivered a dangerous cross that reached Ruben Vargas at the far post.
Vargas controlled brilliantly before firing past goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.
The goal gave Switzerland momentum and increased pressure on the hosts.
Manzambi then crowned an impressive performance with a goal of his own in the 57th minute.
The midfielder capitalised on poor goalkeeping to squeeze home a right-footed effort.
Breel Embolo played a key role in the build-up with strong hold-up play outside the penalty area.
Trailing by two goals, Canada coach Jesse Marsch made three substitutions.
Among those introduced was midfielder Stephen Eustaquio.
Canada pushed forward in search of a route back into the match.
Jonathan David nearly reduced the deficit after turning sharply inside the Swiss penalty area.
However, Nico Elvedi threw himself in front of the shot to preserve Switzerland’s lead.
The match came alive again shortly after the second hydration break.
Substitute Promise David gave the home supporters renewed hope.
The forward stretched to convert an excellent delivery from Nathan Saliba.
Canada’s goal set up a tense finish as they chased an equaliser.
A second goal would have been enough to send the co-hosts through as group winners.
The Canadians threatened from several late set-pieces and attacking moves.
However, Switzerland defended strongly and held on for an important victory.
The final whistle confirmed Switzerland as Group B champions.
Canada, despite defeat, continued their remarkable World Cup journey with a place in the knockout rounds.
Both nations will now turn their attention to the challenges awaiting them in the Round of 32.
