Swiss subs Manzambi, Vargas inspire rout over Bosnia-Herzegovina

Switzerland delivered a dominant second-half performance to defeat 10-man Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1, significantly improving their chances of advancing in the 2026 World Cup.

The match remained goalless until the 71st minute when Swiss coach Murat Yakin introduced substitutes Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas. Manzambi made an immediate impact, scoring just three minutes after coming on to break the deadlock. His brace was completed in the 90th minute, making him the youngest player in World Cup history, at 20 years and 247 days old, to score twice after coming off the bench.

Bosnia-Herzegovina's hopes were further dashed when defender Tarik Muharemovic received a red card in the 80th minute. Vargas extended Switzerland's lead in the 84th minute, and Granit Xhaka sealed the emphatic victory with a penalty in the 97th minute. Bosnia-Herzegovina managed a consolation goal through Ermin Mahmić in stoppage time.

This victory earns Switzerland three crucial points in Group B, where all teams had started with one point after their opening matches. The win positions Switzerland favorably for progression, while Bosnia-Herzegovina now faces an uphill battle to stay in the tournament. Switzerland also set a unique record, becoming the first team in World Cup history to score all four of their goals after the 74th minute of a match.