The group B match, held at Los Angeles on 18/6, remained largely uneventful for much of the game. Bosnia & Herzegovina continued to employ the tight defensive style that had helped them draw against co-hosts Canada in their opening match. Sergej Barbarez's squad even showed moments of confidence early in the second half, driven by the dynamism of young talent Kerim Alajbegovic and the experience of captain Edin Dzeko.

Midfielder Johan Manzambi celebrates the opening goal during Switzerland's victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina in World Cup 2026 group B at Inglewood, California, near Los Angeles, on 18/6. Photo: AP

However, the deadlock was only broken in the 74th minute. The turning point came from Yakin's tactical substitutions. Just minutes after being introduced, Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas immediately made an impact. Following a scramble in the penalty area, Vargas's cross was blocked, but the ball rebounded to Manzambi. The 20-year-old midfielder volleyed it home from close range past Nikola Vasilj, opening the scoring for Switzerland.

This was just the beginning of a stellar performance from the young player, who plays for Freiburg club. Manzambi scored with only his fourth touch after coming on. He also became the third youngest Swiss player to score at a World Cup, at 20 years and 247 days old.

Switzerland's opening goal

Further difficulties mounted for Bosnia & Herzegovina in the 80th minute. Center-back Tarik Muharemovic fouled Breel Embolo as the Swiss forward broke through on goal. As the last defender, Muharemovic received a direct red card.

Switzerland quickly capitalized on their numerical advantage. In the 84th minute, Manzambi was again instrumental, combining with Embolo before Vargas fired a first-time shot into the far corner, extending the lead to 2-0.

The subsequent injury time transformed what had been a chance-scarce match into a goal fest. In the 90th minute, Vargas dribbled to the byline and then delivered a cross for Manzambi to tap in from close range, completing his brace and making it 3-0. The midfielder became the youngest substitute to score a brace at a World Cup, at 20 years and 247 days old.

Manzambi's performance garnered significant praise from scouting expert Jacek Kulig. He described him as "one of Europe's most exciting box-to-box midfielders" after an impressive season with Freiburg.

Bosnia & Herzegovina still managed to make their mark in injury time. Just minutes after being introduced, Ermin Mahmic scored a spectacular volley past Gregor Kobel, netting his first goal for the national team.

However, it was a mere consolation for the Balkan side. In the final seconds, Djibril Sow was fouled in the penalty area, and the referee awarded Switzerland a penalty. Captain Granit Xhaka converted it successfully, sealing the 4-1 victory with the final kick of the match.

The win gives Switzerland four points after two matches, propelling them to the top of group B. Yakin's team generated 2,01 expected goals (xG), while Bosnia & Herzegovina managed only 0,24 xG from five attempts on goal.

The defeat also ended Bosnia & Herzegovina's nine-match unbeaten streak and leaves them facing immense pressure ahead of their final group match against Qatar. Meanwhile, Switzerland holds a significant advantage in the race for a knockout stage spot before their clash with co-hosts Canada.

Xuan Binh