Switzerland opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Los Angeles on Friday.
The Swiss side had to wait until the second half to break the deadlock after a tight opening period.
Bosnia started brightly and almost took an early lead through Edin Dzeko. Switzerland responded with chances of their own, but neither side could find a breakthrough before halftime.
Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made an important save to deny Amar Memic late in the first half and keep the scores level.
Switzerland looked sharper after the restart and began to create more opportunities. Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj worked hard to keep his team in the game with a series of saves.
The opening goal finally arrived in the 74th minute. Johan Manzambi collected the ball inside the area and fired into the top corner to put Switzerland ahead.
Bosnia’s task became even harder six minutes later when Tarik Muharemovic received a red card, leaving his side with ten men.
Switzerland quickly took advantage of the extra space. Ruben Vargas doubled the lead in the 84th minute after a neat assist from Breel Embolo.
The Swiss side struck again five minutes later. Vargas turned creator this time and set up Manzambi, who grabbed his second goal of the match to make it 3-0.
Bosnia managed to pull one goal back in stoppage time when Ermin Mahmic scored from close range after a corner.
Any hopes of a late comeback disappeared moments later. Djibril Sow won a penalty deep into added time and captain Granit Xhaka calmly converted from the spot.
The result gave Switzerland a strong start in the tournament and moved them to the top of the group, while Bosnia and Herzegovina were left searching for answers after a difficult opening match.
