Switzerland head into World Cup 2026 as clear favourites in Group B, which also features Qatar, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and co-hosts Canada. The Swiss are the only team in the group to have progressed beyond the group stage, with quarter-final finishes in 1934, 1938, and 1954. Under manager Murat Yakin, they boast a strong squad and will be expected to advance comfortably.
For Canada, Qatar, and Bosnia & Herzegovina, the primary objective is to reach the knockout rounds for the first time. With the expanded 48-team tournament, eight of the 12 third-placed teams will advance, offering a realistic path to the round of 32.
Canada, co-hosts alongside Mexico and the United States, return for their third World Cup after appearances in 1986 and 2022. Manager Jesse Marsch has called his 26-man squad the best ever assembled. Star player Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich) faces a fitness battle after a hamstring injury, while breakout talent Niko Sigur (Hajduk Split) is expected to feature prominently. Canada are priced at 200/1 to win the tournament.
Bosnia & Herzegovina ended a 12-year wait by qualifying through European play-offs, beating Wales and Italy on penalties. Veteran striker Edin Džeko, now 40, returns for his second World Cup, alongside defender Sead Kolašinac. Their penalty shootout experience could prove valuable in the knockout stages.
Qatar make only their second World Cup appearance, having debuted as hosts in 2022. The group fixtures begin on 12 June with Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina in Toronto, followed by Qatar vs Switzerland on 13 June in San Francisco. Other key matches include Switzerland vs Canada on 24 June in Vancouver.
