Switzerland set for Algeria clash after topping Group B

Switzerland meet Algeria at BC Place in Vancouver in a last-16 tie that pits a group winner against one of the tournament’s best third-placed sides.

Murat Yakin’s team finished top of Group B after recovering from a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina to beat Bosnia 4-1 and Canada 2-1. That run underlined a side that can correct mistakes quickly and stay dangerous once matches become tight.

Switzerland’s strength lies in balance. Gregor Kobel has provided security in goal, Manuel Akanji has anchored the defence and Granit Xhaka has controlled the tempo in midfield. The squad also includes experienced names such as Ricardo Rodríguez, Breel Embolo and Denis Zakaria.

Algeria arrive with threats of their own. Riyad Mahrez, Amine Gouiri, Mohamed Amine Amoura and Houssem Aouar give them pace and quality in the final third, and they progressed after beating Jordan 2-1 and drawing 3-3 with Austria.

Defensive fragility remains a concern for Algeria, particularly when the pace rises and spaces open up. That gives Switzerland a route into the game, even if the African side have enough attacking talent to change it quickly.