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2026 World Cup: Substitute Manzambi inspires Switzerland to World Cup win over Bosnia

By BBC
World Cup 2026 World Cup: Substitute Manzambi inspires Switzerland to World Cup win over Bosnia
THU, 18 JUN 2026

Substitute Johan Manzambi scored twice as Switzerland beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 in a chaotic final 20 minutes to edge towards a place in the World Cup round of 32.

Manzambi met a knockdown in the penalty area with a first-time volley past Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj in the 74th minute, just two minutes and 46 seconds after he came off the bench. It was only the 20-year-old's fourth touch.

With Bosnia down to 10 men following Tarik Muharemovic's straight red card for bringing down Breel Embolo when clean through on goal, Ruben Vargas doubled Switzerland's advantage with a precise curling finish into the bottom corner.

Vargas turned provider in the 90th minute when he set up Manzambi to score his second of the night from close range, before Granit Xhaka converted an injury-time penalty after Djibril Sow was tripped by Amar Memic.

Ermin Mahmic scored a late consolation for Bosnia with a spectacular volley following a corner.

Until Manzambi's opener, Switzerland had been frustrated by their own lacklustre finishing and a stubborn Bosnia defence.

In the early stages, Switzerland exploited space on the left wing because of Bosnia's narrow shape out of possession, but Dan Ndoye fired into the side-netting before failing to make contact with a low cross with an attempted flick.

Ndoye saw his spectacular bicycle kick effort tipped over the bar early in the second half, before he made way for Manzambi.

Freiburg midfielder Manzambi has reportedly attracted interest from several Premier League clubs including Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.

Bosnia began to push again and looked the stronger side, but lost momentum at the hydration break midway through the second half.

Bosnia's veteran striker Edin Dzeko made his first appearance in his second World Cup and was his side's main threat, but could not muster a goal and was replaced on 64 minutes.

Switzerland top group B with four points, while Bosnia are bottom with one point and a goal difference of minus three.

  • What's next for these teams?

Switzerland's final group match is against tournament co-hosts Canada in Vancouver on Wednesday, 24 June (20:00 BST). Bosnia will face Qatar in Seattle at the same time.

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