Algeria vs. Switzerland Odds, Picks & Predictions 1/32, July 2
After all the hoopla and the run up, Day 5 of the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup concludes with a matchup as Algeria takes on Switzerland Thursday night and we have you covered with our Algeria vs. Switzerland prediction. Algeria closed group play with a wild 3-3 draw with Austria Saturday night in their previous contest. Switzerland downed Canada 2-1 in their group play finale their last time out last Wednesday afternoon. This marks the first time that the two sides have met in World Cup play. Let’s break down this Algeria vs. Switzerland matchup.
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Algeria Looking to Advance to Round of 16
Algeria in the World Cup
In 2026, Algeria makes their ninth World Cup appearance overall and their first since 1998. The Desert Warriors own an all-time record of four victories, four draws and eight losses in World Cup action. Algeria entered the World Cup 28th in the FIFA world rankings as they moved up one spot from the previous iteration. The Desert Warriors finished group play with a record of one win, one draw and one loss. Algeria finished with four points, leaving them tied for second in Group J. They finished in third place by virtue of a worse goal differential (even to -2) to Austria.
Algeria Last Match
Against Austria, both teams angled to reach the knockout rounds but avoid a matchup with Spain. As it panned out, Algeria avoided that fate via goal differential. The Desert Warriors dominated the possession by a 65% to 35% margin in the match. In addition, Algeria also owned a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal and a 1.67 to 1.47 edge in terms of expected goals in the contest. After falling behind 1-0, Algeria nearly tied the score in the 40th minute as Farès Chaïbi banged a shot off the post. The Desert Warriors ended up tying the score in the 45th minute off a Rafik Belghali goal. That left the score even at one at the half.
In the second half, Algeria gave up the first goal in the 55th minute to trail 2-1 before rallying again. Riyad Mahrez scored in the 60th minute off a feed from Houssem Aouar to make it a 2-2 game. The teams played the possession game for an extended period before Mahrez tallied his second of the match in the 93rd minute off another assist from Aouar. They seemed poised to earn the win only to give up the equalizer in the 96th minute to wind up with a draw. Luca Zidane is slated to make his third career World Cup appearance in this contest.
Switzerland Seeking to Continue Run
Switzerland in the World Cup
In 2026, Switzerland takes part in their 13th World Cup tournament overall and their sixth consecutive one. The Nati owns a record of 16 wins, nine draws and 19 losses in World Cup action. Switzerland entered the World Cup ranked 19th in the FIFA rankings. The Nati finished group play with a record of two wins, one draw and no losses. They finished with seven points and won Group B by three points over Canada by virtue of their head-to-head win.
Switzerland Last Match
Against Canada with the top spot in Group B at stake, Switzerland took the lead and held off Canada’s rally to earn the win. Switzerland held a 55% to 45% advantage in terms of possession in the match. In addition, the Nati lost the shots on goal by a 7-4 margin while falling by a 1.66 to 1.11 margin in terms of expected goals. The first half was a lot of possession in the midfield and not a ton of prime scoring chances for either side. As a result, the teams went to the half with the match remaining scoreless. That wouldn’t stay the case for long after intermission.
In the second half, just 39 seconds in, Switzerland took a 1-0 lead on Rubén Vargas’ goal in the 46th minute. Johan Manzambi set the goal up after a cross was missed by several players on both sides. In the 57th minute, Manzambi made it a 2-0 score as he cashed in a feed from Breel Embolo. That gave the Nati some cushion in the match. Switzerland gave up a goal in the 76th minute to narrow the margin to a goal. The Nati saw Canada press for the tying goal but goalkeeper Gregor Kobel kept them in front to earn the victory. Kobel, who has a record of three wins, one draw and no losses in World Cup play, projects between the sticks for Switzerland.
10 x $100 bet match in FanCash Algeria vs. Switzerland Prediction
Goals may be a bit hard to come by in this one. Switzerland hasn’t conceded more than one goal in any of their last six matches. You have to go back to a 4-3 defeat to Germany in a friendly on March 27 to have that happen. Algeria struggled in group play as they surrendered seven goals but they recorded four consecutive clean sheets in international friendlies prior to that. Switzerland isn’t a great team for pushing things offensively and Algeria isn’t setting the world on fire either. This is a 1-0 or 2-0 type of match. Play the under in this contest as a result.
Our Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals (FanDuel, -142)
When it comes to finding a good scoring option for this match, rolling with Embolo is the way to go. He has one goal and two assists in the World Cup. Embolo has seven shot attempts and three shots on goal in the group stage. He scored on a penalty kick for his goal and he could have the opportunity to wind up on the spot again in this one. Algeria is trying to shore up their defensive issues and I can see Embolo winding up creating opportunities for himself or others. Inevitably, we’re going to get a foul in the box, Embolo gets to the spot and converts.
Our Prediction: Breel Embolo Anytime Goalscoer (DraftKings, +185)
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