Switzerland defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1, group B at the top of the World Cup | World Cup 2026

All five goals were scored in the final 30 minutes as the game in Los Angeles began to wind down.

Johan Manzambi scored late in the 71st minute, following goals from Ruben Vargas and Granit Xhaka as Switzerland stormed to a late 4-1 victory over 10-man Bosnia and Herzegovina to top Group B at the World Cup.

The Swiss’ last three goals at the Los Angeles Stadium followed the 80th-minute dismissal of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic, who was sent off for bringing down Breel Embolo to deny a goal-scoring opportunity, late in Thursday’s game.

After all, Switzerland, with one win and a draw, was leading the group despite not being expected. 1-1 against Qatar in their first competition.

Qatar and Canada play in a Group B clash on Thursday in Vancouver, with the winner joining Switzerland as they aim to advance to the finals of their fourth consecutive World Cup.

Bosnia substitute Ermin Mahmic scored with a powerful volley in the second half for Bosnia and Herzegovina, who are one point away.

But the Balkan side will need to be very strong in their last game against Qatar to have any chance of progressing after they conceded so little against the Swiss.

All five goals in their defeat came after 70 minutes, including the equalizer in their first game 1-1 in the opening game of the tournament against Canada.

However, it remains to be seen whether the Bosnian cage strategy will work until Swiss coach Murat Yakin sends Manzambi on.

As soon as he introduced himself, Vargas was released on the left and curled in a cross to the back.

Amar Memic tried to control it, but Manzambi instinctively met the second ball close to the penalty area and hit a wicked volley that had too much power for Bosnian goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.

Any hope of a positive result for Bosnia ended six minutes later when referee Joao Pinheiro had no choice but to issue a red card for Muharemovic’s challenge at the back.

Four minutes later, Vargas found the right corner after Embolo picked up the ball near the area and played it to his teammate on the left.

Vargas then assisted as Manzambi finished bravely in the 90th minute, and after Mahmic pulled a goal back, veteran Xhaka converted from danger seven minutes into the second half.