Switzerland make two changes, Algeria three for World Cup last-32 clash

Midfielder Djibril Sow drops to the bench for the Swiss

Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 32 - Switzerland v Algeria - BC Place, Vancouver, Canada – Jul 2, 2026 General view as players walk out before the start of the match REUTERS/Albert Gea

Switzerland coach Murat Yakin made two changes to his side for Thursday's World Cup round-of-32 clash at BC Place, while Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic made three.

• Switzerland centre back Luca Jaquez ruled out with a muscle problem, with Denis Zakaria coming into the starting lineup.

• Swiss winger Dan Ndoye also returns to the team after being dropped for their previous match, a 2-1 win over Canada, while midfielder Djibril Sow drops to the bench.

• Algeria made a change in goal, with Luca Zidane replacing Oussama Benbot after the North Africans drew 3-3 with Austria in their last game.

• In defence, Rayan Ait-Nouri comes into the lineup for Jaouen Hadjam, while Ramiz Zerrouki is selected in midfield with forward Amine Gouiri dropping to the bench.

Teams:

Switzerland - Gregor Kobel; Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez; Denis Zakaria, Remo Freuler, Johan Manzambi, Granit Xhaka; Breel Embolo, Dan Ndoye, Ruben Vargas.

Algeria - Luca Zidane; Aissa Mandi, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rafik Belghali, Ramy Bensebaini; Ramiz Zerrouki, Houssem Aouar, Fares Chaibi, Nabil Bentaleb, Ibrahim Maza; Riyad Mahrez.