- Switzerland have won three and drawn two of their last five matches, winning each of their last two.
- Algeria have won three, drawn one and lost one of their last five.
- The odds reflect the perceived superiority of Switzerland at 73/100, with the draw at 5/2 and Algeria at 17/5.
Swiss feel the pressure
The odds are right in saying that Switzerland are a solid bet to see off Algeria on Friday as they take the field for the first time in this FIFA World Cup - Knockout Stage 2026. Murat Yakin has had his men well drilled since taking over on 9 August 2021 and they arrive in Canada off the back of a 10-game run in all competitions (W4, D5, L1). That is a pretty solid record, but they may struggle to get a goal against Algeria. The Fennecs are a mixed bag but are capable of turning up in style and this match could easily turn into a battle of control versus counter. Algeria are sharper than the Swiss, and more dangerous, with their latest 10-game record showing six wins, two draws and two defeats (W6, D2, L2). Algeria can be flexible within a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 base and boss Vladimir Petković, appointed on 29 February 2024, knows the Swiss structure well.
Algeria are an in-form side
Algeria prefer to play in a mid-block and have a highly selective pressing style, so when the ball is turned over, they can really hurt you on the counter-attack. Switzerland have the personnel to play a 4-3-3 base and can tighten up into a tighter shell when needed.
Algeria's Amine Gouiri is the in-form player here, having struck three times in their last five games, which is a good proportion of Algeria's ten goals across the same period. Algeria's latest FIFA World Cup, Group J 2026 results include a 1-2 victory at Jordan and a 3-3 draw with Austria, while Switzerland drew with Qatar 1-1 and then thumped Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 and Canada 2-1 in Group B 2026.
It would be a surprise if this match turns into a goal-fest, but the odds suggest a low-scoring game. Switzerland are the safer pick, but we are taking Algeria's counter-attacking ability into consideration to leave the game in play. Under 2.5 goals is the pick at 93/100, while Both Teams to Score set closely.
