New Delhi, July 3 -- Switzerland and Algeria are set to meet in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BC Place in Vancouver. Switzerland arrive as group winners after an unbeaten campaign in Group B and will be seeking a first World Cup knockout-stage victory, having reached the Round of 16 in each of the previous three tournaments. Algeria produced one of the standout qualification stories of the group phase, coming from behind to earn a dramatic 3-3 draw against Austria in their final match and advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.

A compelling subplot is provided by Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic, who spent seven years in charge of Switzerland between 2014 and 2021. He now faces his former side, led by Murat Yakin,...