Video: The story is over… Algeria leaves the World Cup with a disappointing loss to Switzerland.

Algeria crashed out of the 2026 World Cup after losing 2-0 to Switzerland in the round of 32 at BC Place in Vancouver.

Despite Desert Warriors clearly in control throughout the match, the performance was purely Swiss as Brielle Embolo opened the scoring with a quick counter-attack in the 10th minute, before Dan Ndoye doubled the lead early in the second half.

The trio of Riyad Mahrez, Adam Ouar and Fares Shuaibi failed to convert possession and numerous chances into goals in the face of an organized Swiss defense and an alert goalkeeper who closed every gap.

The loss spells the end of Algeria’s dream of a first-ever World Cup qualifying win, while Switzerland booked a place in the round of 16, setting up a fiery date with the winner of the upcoming Colombia-Ghana clash.

First half. Switzerland take the lead and Algeria are in control without a goal

Algeria imposed control throughout the first half with comfortable possession and several attacking attempts, but struggled to penetrate a compact Swiss defence, conceding an early goal on a quick counter-attack that Brielle Embolo finished off with a powerful strike.

Algeria relied on the trio of Riyad Mahrez, Adam Ouar and Fares Chaibi to move forward and were able to create several chances through passing and passing, but the finishing touch was lacking for the Swiss goalkeeper.

Switzerland, on the other hand, relied on organized defense and quick rebounds and successfully capitalized on one of these to take the lead in the opening minutes, then focused their efforts on closing down the spaces in front of the Algerian stars.

Algeria showed combativeness and good possession, but lacked effectiveness in front of goal, an obvious weakness in light of Switzerland’s progress.

As for the Swiss national team, they are now satisfied with the result, benefiting from their attacking efficiency at crucial moments, and the first half ended with Switzerland leading 1-0.

Second half. physical collapse and apparent Swiss superiority

The second half started with a bang for the Algerian national team as Dan Ndoye scored an early goal to give Switzerland a 2-0 lead.

The goal came from a powerful right-footed shot from inside the penalty area that found its way into the left corner of the floor, taking advantage of the Greens’ lapse in defensive concentration in the opening minutes.

After this goal, Switzerland clearly dominates the game. The Swiss team showed remarkable physical superiority in contrast to the distinct fatigue that began to set in among the Algerian players, who seemed unable to impose their rhythm or recover the ball effectively.

This is not surprising as Algeria have conceded at least two goals in 6 of their last 8 World Cup matches.

The Algerian team tried to respond quickly, especially through Riyad Mahrez, who hit a powerful low ball, but the Swiss defense (Zakaria) successfully blocked it.

As time wore on, the Swiss pressure increased as penetrations from the flanks (especially through Vargas) became a constant threat, with sharp crosses almost leading to a 3rd goal if not for desperate defensive interventions.

The Algerian coach made a number of substitutions in an attempt to remedy the situation as he introduced Joan Hajjam and Amin Guiry in place of Houssem Ouarri and Ramez Zerouqi, then followed that up with Anis Haj Moussa and Hicham Boudaoui in place of Riyad Mahrez and Nabil Bentaleb.

These changes were an attempt to add new blood and energy to the midfield and attack, but they didn’t do much to change the reality on the pitch.

Despite some individual highlights, the Algerian team continued to suffer under high Swiss pressure, which did not allow the players to build calm attacks.

Rafik Belghali made important interventions, especially in the final minutes, when he blocked a dangerous chance, but later had to leave with an injury and was replaced by Adel Bulbina.

As for Zidane, he shone in the decisive moments with a wonderful save of a strong shot by the Swiss, who came close to deciding the match with the third goal.

On the other hand, Algeria’s offensive attempts (for example, Hijam’s high kick) were not enough to create a real threat to Switzerland’s goal.

Algeria paid the price for fatigue and early defensive mistakes, and the substitutions failed to make the desired difference, so the match ended in a comfortable 2-0 win for Switzerland.