Super Sub Manzambi Fires Switzerland to Top of Group B
Switzerland moved to the summit of Group B at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a Johan Manzambi-inspired 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina at Los Angeles Stadium.
The Freiburg midfielder came off the bench to score twice in a thrilling second half, becoming the youngest Swiss player to net a brace at the World Cup at just 20 years and 247 days.
His performance also marked the first time a Swiss player has scored multiple goals in a World Cup match as a substitute.
After a cagey first half, Manzambi broke the deadlock with a powerful strike in the 71st minute. Fellow substitute Ruben Vargas doubled the lead with a composed finish before setting up Manzambi for his second goal in the 90th minute.
Bosnia, reduced to ten men following Tarik Muharemovic’s red card, briefly pulled one back through Ermin Mahmic in stoppage time, but Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka restored the three-goal cushion with a penalty in the dying moments.
The result leaves Switzerland top of Group B with four points from two matches, ahead of Canada, Bosnia, and Qatar.
Manzambi’s heroics have also thrust him into the adidas Golden Boot conversation, underlining his emergence as one of the tournament’s breakout stars.
‘This was a special night for Johan and for Swiss football,’ said coach Murat Yakin. ‘He showed maturity beyond his years and gave us the spark we needed.’
