Johan Manzambi's brace lifts Switzerland past Canada

Switzerland secured a 2-1 victory over co‑host Canada in the Group B decider, with Johan Manzambi scoring twice after the break and assisting Rúben Vargas in the final fifteen minutes.

Manzambi, 20, plays for Freiburg and was named the 2025/26 Europa League Young Player of the Season, marking him as a breakout Bundesliga starlet. He has been a regular starter for the German club this season.

Before the tournament, attention centred on frontman Breel Embolo, yet Manzambi emerged as the standout during group play. His two goals and assist have earned him plaudits throughout the group stage.

Yakin omitted Manzambi from the starting line‑up against Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the player delivered a brace off the bench versus Sergej Barbarez's side. The brace came against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the team coached by former striker Sergej Barbarez.

In the Canada match, Manzambi set up Rúben Vargas for the opening goal before netting his own to widen the lead. Both contributions came after the halftime break, shifting the momentum in Switzerland's favour.

Squawka data shows Manzambi now tops the scoring chart for players aged 21 or younger in the tournament. He leads the tournament with three goals, surpassing all other under‑21 players.

He also became the youngest player since Memphis Depay in 2014 to record both a goal and an assist in a World Cup match. Depay's 2014 feat occurred at the previous World Cup, highlighting the rarity of Manzambi's achievement.

Swiss football legends Xherdan Shaqiri and Alexander Frei previously shouldered similar expectations, but Manzambi has now taken the spotlight. His performances could shape Switzerland's prospects in the knockout rounds.