FIFA WC 2026: 'I won't be able to sleep tonight', says Manzambi after match-winning Swiss brace
Los Angeles, June 19
Switzerland's prodigy Johan Manzambi, who inspired his team's 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina with his brilliant two-goal performance in the second half, is all over the moon and said he won't be able to sleep tonight after scoring his career 's first brace, and that too at the FIFA World Cup.
Subbed on after 72 minutes, the youngest player in Swiss squad announced his arrival at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with an instant impact when he converted a spectacular high volley to give his side the lead. In the 90th minute, he added the 3-0 to round off a spectacularly effective substitute performance.
"Honestly, it's incredible - it's the first brace of my career, and at the World Cup on top of that," Manzambi said after his Superior Player of the Match performance. "Scoring two goals in front of the fans and my family, that's very, very nice. I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight."
Notably, the 20-year-old midfielder became the youngest Swiss player to score in a World Cup game since 1950 - and further wrote himself into the history books by becoming both the first Swiss player to score a brace after being subbed on, and becoming the country's youngest two-goal scorer in World Cup history.
In a national team, Manzambi has so far been mostly used as a substitute, scoring three times in his first 13 appearances. His speed and box-to-box abilities made him the perfect candidate to pressure on a tired Bosnian team at Los Angeles Stadium.
"Johan is a happy guy with incredible footballing skills. We can use him flexibly, more defensively, in midfield, but also on the wing as a striker," Swiss coach Murat Yakin said of his young star's qualities. "He's a street footballer, the kind who needs to be given freedom. Offensively, he has complete freedom. You saw that today - he can apply pressure, he has good dribbling skills and he can finish."
— IANS
Reader Comments
The way he controlled that high volley was pure class! First brace of his career and it comes at the World Cup. Makes me emotional as a football fan. And his coach Yakin's trust in giving him freedom shows - 'street footballer' indeed! We need such fearless players in ISL too.
Youngest Swiss player to score since 1950 - that's some record! And he's only 20. Reminds me of how Indian players like Sunil Chhetri were late bloomers too. But sorry, I'm a bit skeptical - one good match doesn't make a star. Let's see if he can do this consistently. Still, brilliant performance tonight.
As someone who watches European football regularly, I'd say Manzambi is the real deal. His box-to-box ability is exactly what modern football needs. Switzerland has produced some gems over the years - Xhaka, Shaqiri - and this kid could be the next big thing. India should take notes on how smaller nations develop talent.
Love how humble he is in the interview - 'I won't be able to sleep tonight'. That's pure passion! And scoring in front of family... must be an unforgettable feeling. Makes me wish our Indian football team could experience such moments at a World Cup someday. Maybe 2036? 🤞
A bit early to hype him too much, no? Yes, he scored a brace against a tired Bosnian defense, but let's see how he performs against top-tier teams like Brazil or Germany. That said, his energy and finishing were impressive. Good for Swiss football
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.