World Cup 2026: Switzerland’s 4-2-3-1 with Breel Embolo against Riyad Mahrez’s Algeria

Switzerland and Algeria meet at BC Place in Vancouver on July 3, 2026, with both sides lining up in a 4-2-3-1 for a decisive FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout match.

Henry DONCHE

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On 3 Jul 2026 at 03:33 Updated 3 Jul 2026

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Illustration du match Suisse VS Algérie, le 03/07/2026 04:00, stade Vancouver Stadium

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On July 3, 2026 at 4:00 GMT+1, Switzerland and Algeria face each other at BC Place in Vancouver in a decisive match in the round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. This key duel marks a direct clash between two sides set up in a 4-2-3-1 and featuring major players such as Breel Embolo for Switzerland and Riyad Mahrez in the Algerian camp.

Swiss head coach Murat Yakin has opted for a lineup featuring a classic four-man defensive block, strengthened by the midfield double pivot formed by Remo Freuler and Granit Xhaka, while the attacking line relies on the work rate of Breel Embolo up front, supported by Dan Ndoye, Johan Manzambi and Rubén Vargas.

On the other side, Vladimir Petkovic is also fielding an Algerian team in a 4-2-3-1 with Luca Zidane in goal. The midfield relies on Ramiz Zerrouki and Nabil Bentaleb for ball-winning and distribution, while Riyad Mahrez and Houssem Aouar drive the attacking creativity alongside Farès Chaïbi, with Amine Gouiri as the central striker.

This knockout match shapes the path of both national teams at the World Cup, with crucial importance for qualification to the round of 16. The tactical choices of both coaches reflect a desire for balance between defensive solidity and attacking creativity.

Reading Switzerland’s XI

Switzerland deploy a classic 4-2-3-1 under Murat Yakin, with Gregor Kobel in goal and a defensive line made up of Denis Zakaria, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji and Ricardo Rodríguez. However, several players such as Zakaria and Elvedi are dealing with injuries, forcing the staff to adjust the defensive sector.

In midfield, Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler form an experienced double pivot, tasked with protecting the defense and supplying attacking midfielders Dan Ndoye, Johan Manzambi and Rubén Vargas. That quartet is expected to support center-forward Breel Embolo, Switzerland’s main attacking weapon, whose versatility and power are meant to weigh on the opposing defense.

Within the squad, the notable absences of Silvan Widmer, Djibril Sow and Denis Zakaria raise questions about bench depth, but the team remains structured around solid senior players capable of delivering a competitive performance.

Reading Algeria’s XI

Algeria also adopt a 4-2-3-1 with Luca Zidane as goalkeeper. The defense consists of Rafik Belghali, Aïssa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini and Rayan Aït-Nouri, though Bensebaini’s injury absence alters the setup on the left flank.

In midfield, Ramiz Zerrouki and Nabil Bentaleb handle ball recovery, while Riyad Mahrez, Houssem Aouar and Farès Chaïbi carry the attacking creativity, bringing technique and directness. Amine Gouiri occupies the front line, tasked with embodying the goalscorer’s role.

Despite a few absences due to injuries or illness, the Algerian team remains led by Vladimir Petkovic, who is counting on a tactical balance between defensive cohesion and technical clarity in the buildup.

Starting lineups

Switzerland

Formation4-2-3-1Head coachMurat Yakin

Starters11

1 Gregor Kobel Goalkeeper
6 Denis Zakaria Defender
4 Nico Elvedi Defender
5 Manuel Akanji Defender
13 Ricardo Rodríguez Defender
8 Remo Freuler Midfielder
10 Granit Xhaka Midfielder
11 Dan Ndoye Midfielder
9 Johan Manzambi Midfielder
17 Rubén Vargas Midfielder
7 Breel Embolo Forward

Substitutes14

12 Yvon Mvogo
21 Marvin Keller
18 Eray Cömert
24 Aurèle Amenda
3 Silvan Widmer
2 Miro Muheim
16 Christian Fassnacht
14 Ardon Jashari
15 Djibril Sow
22 Fabian Rieder
20 Michel Aebischer
26 Cédric Itten
19 Noah Okafor
23 Zeki Amdouni

Algeria

Formation4-2-3-1Head coachVladimir Petkovic

Starters11

23 Luca Zidane Goalkeeper
17 Rafik Belghali Defender
2 Aïssa Mandi Defender
21 Ramy Bensebaini Defender
15 Rayan Aït-Nouri Defender
6 Ramiz Zerrouki Midfielder
19 Nabil Bentaleb Midfielder
7 Riyad Mahrez Midfielder
8 Houssem Aouar Midfielder
10 Farès Chaïbi Midfielder
22 Ibrahim Maza Forward

Substitutes13

1 Melvin Mastil
16 Oussama Benbot
3 Achref Abada
4 Mohamed Tougai
5 Zineddine Belaid
13 Jaouen Hadjam
26 Samir Sophian Chergui
20 Adil Boulbina
11 Anis Hadj Moussa
14 Hicham Boudaoui
24 Yassine Titraoui
9 Amine Gouiri
25 Farès Ghedjemis

Switzerland

Second half 76' 2-0 Vancouver Stadium

Algeria

03/07/2026 04:00 Round of 32

Fil du match

10'But - B. Embolo (passe J. Manzambi)Suisse, 10e
36'Carton jaune - F. ChaibiAlgérie, 36e
46'But - D. NdoyeSuisse, 46e
58'Remplacement - H. Aouar (remplace J. Hadjam)Algérie, 58e
58'Remplacement - R. Zerrouki (remplace A. Gouiri)Algérie, 58e
71'Remplacement - R. Vargas (remplace F. Rieder)Suisse, 71e
71'Remplacement - J. Manzambi (remplace N. Okafor)Suisse, 71e
71'Remplacement - R. Mahrez (remplace A. Hadj Moussa)Algérie, 71e
71'Remplacement - N. Bentaleb (remplace H. Boudaoui)Algérie, 71e
72'Carton jaune - H. BoudaouiAlgérie, 72e

Round of 32 schedule

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