2026 World Cup: Switzerland defeats Bosnia 4:1, substitutes decide the match

In a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A second-round match, Switzerland defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 4:1. The turning point came in the closing minutes when substitutes Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas proved decisive, and Bosnia's Tarik Muharemovic was sent off with a red card in the 80th minute.

In a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A second-round match, Switzerland secured a commanding 4:1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The match became dramatic as four goals were scored in just the final 13 minutes.

Substitutes decided the match

Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin made excellent substitutions that completely changed the match. Johan Manzambi, brought on in the 71st minute, put Switzerland ahead by striking the ball directly from the air near the penalty spot. Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj was unable to react quickly enough. Manzambi scored his second goal in the 90th minute, striking confidently from ten metres after an excellent assist from Ruben Vargas.

Ruben Vargas, who came on alongside Manzambi, doubled Switzerland's lead in the 84th minute with a well-placed finish to the far post. Switzerland earned a penalty in the closing stages, and Granit Xhaka confidently converted from 11 metres to the bottom right corner, making it 4:1.

Red card and Bosnia's late goal

In the 80th minute, Bosnia's Tarik Muharemovic received a red card for fouling Breel Embolo as the last defender just before the penalty area. With ten men, Bosnia managed to score another goal before the final whistle: from a corner kick, Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel parried the ball away, but Ermin Mahmić followed up and struck it from the air into the net.

Even first half

The opening half was unremarkable for both teams. Switzerland's expected goals (xG) was only 0.06 and Bosnia's 0.18. Switzerland had four shots on target (one on frame) and Bosnia three (one on frame). Bosnia's key striker, 40-year-old Edin Džeko, who sat on the bench in the group's opening match against Canada, started this time in the lineup. The experienced striker has 73 goals for Bosnia and Herzegovina's national team, with over 450 goals in his club career combined.