Group A brings back echoes of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with its opening encounter, setting the tone for a nostalgic yet competitive start. In contrast, Group B offers a truly global mix, bringing together teams from three different confederations — AFC, UEFA, and CONCACAF – including Switzerland, Canada, Qatar, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
While Switzerland enters as the highest-ranked side and clear favourites to progress, the group is tightly packed with unpredictable contenders capable of upsetting any opponent on their day.
GROUP B: MEET THE TEAMS
Switzerland enter Group B as the highest-ranked side, carrying expectations into a tightly contested group. Known for their organisation, defensive solidity, and tournament consistency, the Swiss are difficult to break down and will aim to control games with experience and structure.
Canada brings pace, energy, and growing confidence after steady progress in recent years. With a core of players gaining experience in top European leagues, their direct attacking style and high pressing make them a constant threat in transition.
Qatar arrive with valuable international exposure and a technically strong midfield built through long-term development. While not among the favourites, their composure in possession and big-stage experience could help them spring surprises if they find early rhythm.
Bosnia & Herzegovina complete the group as dangerous underdogs, boosted by momentum after a strong qualifying run. Led by experienced figures and strong collective spirit, they have the ability to disrupt the group and challenge every opponent on their day.
GROUP B: GAME OF THE GROUP
The standout fixture of Group B will undoubtedly be the clash between Switzerland and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Bosnia, who stunned Italy to secure qualification for only their second World Cup, arrive with momentum and belief, and will be eager to spring another surprise against their European counterparts.
Switzerland, however, bring a more settled and experienced core into the tournament. With both sides leaning heavily on their veteran leaders, this contest is set up as a tactical and emotional battle rather than just a test of form or ranking. While there is a clear gap in overall squad depth, Bosnia’s trademark resilience and fighting spirit make them dangerous opponents in any scenario.
This is a fixture that promises intensity, drama, and moments of individual brilliance – a true “game of the group” in every sense.
GROUP A: PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Edin Dzeko: At 40 years old, Edin Dzeko remains the heartbeat of Bosnia & Herzegovina’s attack. He led his nation through qualification for only their second-ever World Cup, finishing as top scorer in the UEFA qualifying campaign. The former Manchester City and Roma striker is Bosnia’s all-time leading goalscorer and remains their most influential figure in the final third.
While he no longer dominates physically as he once did during his Wolfsburg or Manchester City days, his intelligence, movement, and timing in key moments remain elite. With over 1,000 career appearances and more than 450 goals, this tournament is widely seen as the final chapter of a legendary international career.
Jonathan David: With Canada potentially missing captain Alphonso Davies due to injury, much of the responsibility will fall on the next big name, Jonathan David. The forward, who has experienced a mixed debut season at Juventus, remains one of Canada’s most important attacking outlets.
David rose to prominence at Lille, where he was among their top scorers and one of the most highly valued Canadian players in history after his €30 million move in 2020. His pace, movement, and finishing will be crucial if Canada are to progress from the group stage.
Akram Afif: Akram Afif has been one of Asia’s standout performers since the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, where he registered 10 assists as Qatar lifted the title. He followed it up four years later with a remarkable tournament, scoring eight goals and famously celebrating a hat-trick in the final with his signature playing-card gesture.
Afif’s early career spells in Europe with KAS Eupen, Villarreal, and Sporting Gijón did not fully take off, but his return to Qatar in 2020 has seen him flourish as a consistent match-winner at international level.
Grant Xhaka: With Xherdan Shaqiri and Yann Sommer no longer part of the national setup, Switzerland will rely heavily on Granit Xhaka to lead the nation to improve on their best finish of quarterfinals in the World Cups. The former Arsenal captain remains the team’s metronome, dictating tempo and providing structure in both build-up and transition phases.
Xhaka’s leadership and experience have become even more vital in this new-look Swiss side, as he continues to control games with his passing range and composure. His recent club success, including helping Sunderland secure historic European qualification, underlines his continued influence at the top level.
Group B schedule
- Canada v Bosnia & Herzegovina: Saturday, 13 June
- Qatar v Switzerland: Sunday, 14 June
- Switzerland v Bosnia & Herzegovina: Friday, 19 June
- Canada v Qatar: Friday, 19 June
- Switzerland v Canada: Thursday, 25 June
- Bosnia & Herzegovina v Qatar: Thursday, 25 June
Group B Full Squad
Bosnia & Herzegovina: (Best Finish: Group Stages)
Goalkeepers: Osman Hadzikic, Nikola Vasilj, Martin Zlomislic
Defenders: Nidal Celik, Amar Dedic, Dennis Hadzikadunic, Nikola Katic, Sead Kolasinac, Tarik Muharemovic, Nihad Mujakic, Stjepan Radeljic
Midfielders: Kerim Alajbegovic, Esmir Bajraktarevic, Ivan Basic, Dzenis Burnic, Armina Gigovic, Amir Hadziahmetovic, Ermin Mahmic, Amar Memic, Ivan Sunjic, Benjamin Tahirovic
Forwards: Samed Bazdar, Ermedin Demirovic, Edin Dzeko, Jovo Lukic, Haris Tabakovic
Manager: Sergej Barbarez
Canada: (Best Finish: Group Stages)
Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau, Owen Goodman, Dayne St. Clair
Defenders: Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, Alphonso Davies, Luc de Fougerolles, Alistair Johnston, Alfie Jones, Richie Laryea, Niko Sigur, Joel Waterman
Midfielders: Ali Ahmed, Tajon Buchanan, Mathieu Choiniere, Stephen Eustaquio, Ismael Kone, Liam Millar, Jonathan Osorio, Nathan-Dylan Saliba, Jacob Shaffelburg
Forwards: Jonathan David, Promise David, Cyle Larin, Tani Oluwaseyi
Manager: Jesse Marsch
Qatar: (Best Finish: Group Stages)
Preliminary squad announced on May 13
Goalkeepers: Mahmoud Abunada, Shehab Al Lithi, Meshaal Barsham, Salah Zakaria
Defenders: Ryan Al Ali, Al Hashemi Al Hussein, Ayub Al Alawi, Bassam Al Rawi, Hommam Al Amin, Sultan Al Brake, Boualem Khoukhi, Niall Mason, Lucas Mendes, Pedro Miguel, Tarek Salman
Midfielders: Karim Boudiaf, Ahmed Fathi, Jassem Gaber, Abdulaziz Hatem, Issa Lay, Assim Madibo, Mohammed Manaai, Tahsin Mohammed, Mohammed Waad
Forwards: Youssef Abdelrisaq, Akram Afif, Ahmed Alaaeldin, Hassan Al Haydos, Almoez Ali, Ahmed Al Janhi, Edmilson Junior, Mohammed Muntari, Mubarak Shannan, Sebastian Soria
Manager: Julen Loptegui
Switzerland: (Best Finish: quarterfinals)
Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel, Marvin Keller, Yvon Mvogo
Defenders: Manuel Akanji, Aurele Amenda, Eray Comert, Nico Elvedi, Luca Jaquez, Miro Muheim, Ricardo Rodriguez, Silvan Widmer
Midfielders: Michel Aebischer, Christian Fassnacht, Remo Freuler, Cedric Itten, Ardon Jashari, Fabian Rieder, Djibril Sow, Granit Xhaka, Denis Zakaria
Forwards: Zeki Amdouni, Breel Embolo, Johan Manzambi, Dan Ndoye, Noah Okafor, Ruben Vargas
Manager: Murat Yakin
– Ends
