Switzerland and Algeria meet in the 2026 World Cup round-of-32 on Friday at 4am (UK time) with both sides looking to advance in the tournament.
Switzerland upset one of the tournament co-hosts in finishing top of Group B, just the second time they’ve achieved that feat. They did open their group with a draw against Qatar, dropping points deep into injury-time thanks to an own goal. But they bounced back to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 in their second game. It set up a winner-takes-all match against co-hosts Canada, with Switzerland winning the battle to finish top of the group.
Algeria also had a final-game battle to book their spot in the knockout stages. And it was a bit more dramatic. Algeria were beaten 3-0 in their opening game by defending champions Argentina, giving them a mountain to climb. The Fennecs bounced back to beat Jordan in their next match, but they did have to come from behind. Algeria knew a win against Austria in their final game would seal second in the group, while a draw would also have been enough to be one of the best third-placed teams. The final game had everything, including an injury-time goal from Riyad Mahrez to put Algeria ahead. But they conceded even later, having to settle for a draw, and third.
This will be the third game between these two sides, with Switzerland having won both previous meetings. But both games came in the 1980s.
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Switzerland vs Algeria team news
Switzerland team news
There are some questions for Murat Yakin to answer regarding his starting lineup. He has largely kept the same core across the tournament so far, but there are still a few places up for contention. Yakin has started three different right backs at the World Cup, including Denis Zakaria out of position. But Silvan Widmer may win the battle, ahead of Zakaria and Luca Jaquez.
The rest of the defence should remain the same. Gregor Kobel will continue in goal, with Ricardo Rodriguez at left-back. Nico Elvedi and Manuel Akanji will be the centre-back pairing, with the former free of any suspension risks after yellow cards were wiped out. Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler will play in midfield, and Yakin may opt to stick with the 4-2-3-1.
Johan Manzambi started at the No.10 against Canada after his performance off the bench in the win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. The decision saw Michel Aebischer drop out of the previously used midfield trio. And that may continue here. Dan Ndoye could regain his spot on the right-wing, having been replaced by Djibril Sow last time out. Ruben Vargas will play on the left, with Breel Embolo leading the line.
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Algeria team news
Vladimir Petkovic made the bold call to replace Luca Zidane in goal for Algeria’s crucial game against Austria last time out. Although Oussame Benbout conceded three goals, the goalkeeper impressed and may keep his spot. Rayan Ait-Nouri could return to the defence, having been replaced by Jaouen Hadjam last time out. So it would be the first-choice backline from Petkovic, with Aissa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini and Rafik Belghali all keeping their places.
Nabil Bentaleb is a guaranteed starter in the midfield, regardless of the system. Petkovic may opt to maintain the midfield trio he has used in two of the three matches so far. Hicham Boudaoui could return to present a more reserved lineup, after the more-attacking setup last time out. But Ibrahim Maza may retain his spot in the trio.
Although Fares Chaibi may lose his spot in the midfield three, he might not drop out of the team. He had been used as a left-winger in Algeria’s first two matches, and could return there in place of Houssem Aouar. Riyad Mahrez should continue on the right wing, with Amine Gouiri through the middle.
Switzerland vs Algeria predicted lineups
Switzerland (4-2-3-1): Kobel; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Xhaka, Freuler; Ndoye, Manzambi, Vargas; Embolo.
Algeria (4-3-3): Benbout; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Boudauoi, Bentaleb, Maza; Mahrez, Gouiri, Chaibi.
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