Switzerland vs. Algeria projected lineups, starting 11 for World Cup Round of 32 game in Vancouver

Switzerland and Algeria meet in Seattle on Thursday in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, with a place in the last 16 at stake.

Murat Yakin's side advanced as Group B winners after an unbeaten group-stage campaign. A surprise draw with Qatar was followed by victories over Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada to secure top spot with seven points.

Algeria reached the knockout rounds from Group J as one of the best overall third-placed teams. After opening with a defeat to Argentina, they bounced back with a win over Jordan before earning a crucial draw against Austria to book their place in the Round of 32.

The Sporting News looks at the latest team news, injuries and projected starting lineups for both sides ahead of the knockout clash.

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Switzerland projected starting 11

(4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. G. Kobel (GK) — 3. S. Widmer, 5. M. Akanji, 4. N. Elvedi, 13. R. Rodriguez — 8. R. Freuler, 10. G. Xhaka — 11. D. Ndoye, 9. J. Manzambi, 17. R. Vargas — 7. B. Embolo

• Injured: None
• Suspended: None

Switzerland head into the Round of 32 with a fully fit squad and are expected to name an unchanged lineup after finishing top of Group B.

Gregor Kobel should continue in goal behind the experienced centre-back pairing of Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi, with Silvan Widmer and Ricardo Rodriguez expected to start at full-back.

Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler should once again anchor the midfield after guiding Switzerland through the group stage unbeaten. Johan Manzambi has emerged as one of the surprise stars of the tournament after scoring three goals in the group stage and is set to retain his place behind the striker. Dan Ndoye and Ruben Vargas can provide the attacking width.

Breel Embolo is projected to lead the line once again, with Switzerland hoping his experience can help fire them into the Round of 16. Zeki Amdouni and Denis Zakaria provide options from the bench if Yakin looks to change the game.

MORE: Ranking remaining World Cup teams 1-32

Algeria projected starting 11

(4-3-3, right to left): 23. L. Zidane (GK) — 17. R. Belghali, 21. R. Bensebaini, 2. A. Mandi, 70. R. Ait-Nouri — 6. R. Zerrouki, H. Boudaoui, 22. I. Maza — 7. R. Mahrez, 9. A. Gouiri, 10. F. Chaibi

• Injured: M. Amoura (doubt)
• Suspended: None

Algeria head into the Round of 32 with no major injury concerns aside from a problem for forward Mohamed Amoura, who is a doubt.

Luca Zidane could regain his starting spot in goal behind a defence led by Aissa Mandi and Ramy Bensebaini.

Vladimir Petkovic, the former Switzerland head coach, is likely to start Ramiz Zerrouki, Hicham Boudaoui and Ibrahim Maza in midfield. Maza has impressed throughout the tournament and is expected to play a key creative role once again.

Riyad Mahrez remains the focal point of Algeria's attack after scoring twice during the group stage. Amine Gouiri will lead the line in Amoura's absence, with Fares Chaibi potentially lining up as part of a front three capable of troubling the Swiss defence.

MORE: Printable World Cup bracket

Switzerland vs. Algeria predictions, betting odds

Switzerland arrive in the Round of 32 after an unbeaten group-stage campaign and will be confident of extending their run against an Algeria side that progressed as one of the best third-placed teams. Both are well organised, but the Swiss have looked the more consistent team throughout the tournament.

Algeria's attack, led by Mahrez, is capable of causing problems, although the experience of Xhaka and Akanji should help Switzerland control the contest and progress to the last 16.

• Score prediction: Switzerland 2-1 Algeria

Switzerland vs. Algeria World Cup rosters

Here are the players selected in Switzerland and Algeria's squads for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All ages, clubs and international caps are correct as of the squads being announced in May 2026.

Switzerland World Cup roster

Head coach: Murat Yakin

Algeria World Cup roster

Head coach: Vladimir Petkovic

Where to watch Switzerland vs. Algeria

In USA:

• TV channel: FS1
• Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up for a FREE trial.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Here is how to watch the match in some of the other major territories: