Group B predictions: FIFA World Cup 2026
As we build up to FIFA World Cup 2026, Group B comes under the microscope as we assess the prospects of Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland.
Fixtures
Matchday 1
Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Qatar vs Switzerland
Matchday 2
Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Canada vs Qatar
Matchday 3
Switzerland vs Canada
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar
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Group B begins with a crucial opening round of fixtures. Whilst Switzerland will be expected to defeat Qatar, the outcome between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina is likely to be far closer. Getting three points on the board early will be a huge boost to Switzerland, a strong side who have reached the round of 16 in each of the last three FIFA World Cups.
The Swiss do standout among the rest in this group, especially when you consider their vast major tournament experience and the quality among their squad. They went unbeaten in qualifying, topping their group back then and the likelihood is that they will do the same here.
Qatar’s squad isn’t as strong as their Group B opponents and they may easily find themselves out of the depth across FIFA World Cup 2026. They’ve lost every previous World Cup fixture across their history and it would be a surprise if Julen Lopetegui’s side were not to finish bottom of the table. Defeat in their opening game should see the confidence of Qatar’s squad suffer a major blow which they are unlikely to recover from.
Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina are well-matched and either could end the group stage inside the top two, with second-place most likely for either. Assuming both nations beat Qatar, their encounter early in the group stage could prove all-important. Whilst Canada should have the edge with home advantage in their favour, they each should do enough to qualify for the knockout stage as Group B runners-up and as one of the eight best third-place finishers.
Predicted group placements
1st: Switzerland
2nd: Canada
3rd: Bosnia and Herzegovina
4th: Qatar
