Manzambi Magic: Switzerland's 20-Year-Old Engine Powers the Swiss Top

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — A week ago, Johan Manzambi was the kid coming off the bench. Now he is the player carrying Switzerland. Handed his first World Cup start against co-hosts Canada, the 20-year-old delivered the defining performance of a breakout tournament, scoring one goal and creating another to send the Swiss through as Group B winners. The Freiburg attacker scored one and set up another as Switzerland defeated Canada 2-1 in Vancouver to advance as group winners.

His impact was immediate and decisive. Within seconds of the second half starting, Manzambi set up Rubén Vargas with a cross for the opening goal, then added his own 11 minutes later by slipping a shot past Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.

From super-sub to star

The Canada display was no bolt from the blue — it was the continuation of a rapid rise. Manzambi had announced himself in Switzerland's previous game against Bosnia, coming off the bench after 72 minutes and converting a spectacular high volley before adding a second in the 90th minute for the first brace of his career. The youngster could scarcely believe it. "It's incredible — the first brace of my career, and at the World Cup on top of that," he said. “I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight.”

Against Canada, the brace earned him a promotion, and he repaid the faith. His goal was his third of the tournament and his second contribution of the afternoon, cementing his status as Switzerland's top scorer at the competition. 

A "street footballer" given freedom

Coach Murat Yakin has known exactly what he has in the youngster, and exactly how to use him. "Johan is a happy guy with incredible footballing skills. He's a street footballer, the kind who needs to be given freedom," Yakin said. “He can apply pressure, he has good dribbling skills and he can finish.”

His teammates see a rare creative spark in an experienced, well-drilled side. "We need players like this that are creative up front," defender Manuel Akanji said. "He sees things that maybe others don't see or are not capable of doing, and we really need that." The numbers underline how quickly it has clicked. The 20-year-old impressed all season at Freiburg, was voted Switzerland's best young player of 2025, and has now scored three times in his first 13 international appearances.

Top of the group, and staying put

The victory carried tangible rewards beyond the highlight reel. With the win, Switzerland topped Group B and will remain in Vancouver for a round-of-32 tie against one of the eight best third-place finishers. For a Swiss side built on experience and organization, the emergence of a fearless young match-winner may be the ingredient that turns a solid tournament into a special one. On current evidence, Manzambi is only getting started.