Switzerland enter World Cup 2026 as clear favourites in Group B, drawn alongside Qatar, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and co-hosts Canada. The Swiss are the only team in the group to have reached the knockout stages of a World Cup, with their best finish being quarter-final appearances in 1934, 1938, and 1954. Under manager Murat Yakin, Switzerland boast a strong squad and will expect to progress comfortably.
For Canada, Qatar, and Bosnia & Herzegovina, the primary objective is to advance from the group. With an expanded 48-team tournament, eight of the 12 third-place finishers will move to the round of 32, offering significant hope for all teams.
Canada, co-hosts alongside Mexico and the United States, return to the World Cup for the third time after appearances in 1986 and 2022. Manager Jesse Marsch has described his 26-man squad as the best ever assembled, with high hopes of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time. Key player Alphonso Davies faces a race to be fit after a hamstring injury, while breakout talent Niko Sigur is expected to feature prominently.
Bosnia & Herzegovina ended a 12-year wait to return to the World Cup, securing their place via European qualifying play-offs. Veteran striker Edin Džeko, now 40, will feature in his second World Cup after 2014. Defender Sead Kolašinac is the only other player from that squad. The team’s penalty shootout experience in qualifying could prove valuable.
Qatar make only their second World Cup appearance, having debuted in 2022 as hosts. They will aim to improve on that performance, with a squad featuring experienced players. The group stage kicks off on 12 June with Canada facing Bosnia & Herzegovina in Toronto, followed by Qatar against Switzerland in San Francisco.
