Group B may lack the global heavyweights, but it could still be one of the toughest groups to predict at the 2026 World Cup.
Canada will have the pressure and excitement of playing on home soil, while Switzerland arrive as the most experienced side in the group. Qatar and Bosnia & Herzegovina both have the potential to cause problems on their day.
With no clear underdog in the group, every point could matter — and qualification may come down to the finest of margins.
Who is in World Cup Group B?
The co-host nation will have decent expectations heading into the tournament. With a young, energetic squad and home support behind them, Canada will believe they can make a serious run at getting to the knockout stages.
Switzerland are the most experienced side in the group and have built a reputation for being difficult to beat at major tournaments. Their organisation and tournament know-how make them dangerous opponents in a group that lacks any real tournament pedigree.
After gaining valuable experience from hosting the 2022 World Cup, Qatar return with a squad that understands the pressure of the big stage. They could surprise a few teams if underestimated, but they probably lack the quality of the others in the group.
Back at the World Cup for the first time in years, Bosnia & Herzegovina will see this as a chance to re-establish themselves on the international stage.
Physical, competitive and capable of causing an upset – as they did against Italy to qualify – they won’t be easy opponents for anyone and will be hoping to be in contention for qualifying for the knockouts.
What are the latest Group B odds?
Odds via 10bet and correct at time of writing.
Canada: 12/5 (3.40)
Bosnia and Herzegovina: 5/2 (3.50)
Qatar: 33/1 (34.00)
Switzerland: 19/20 (1.95)
What are the Group B fixtures?
- June 12: Canada vs Bosnia Herzegovina, Toronto Stadium
- June 13: Qatar vs Switzerland, San Francisco Bay Stadium
- June 18: Switzerland vs Bosnia Herzegovina, Los Angeles Stadium
- June 18: Canada vs Qatar, BC Place Vancouver
- June 24: Switzerland vs Canada, BC Place Vancouver
- June 24: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar, Seattle Stadium
MORE WORLD CUP COVERAGE ON EPL BETS
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– World Cup 2026 dark horses: Can an outsider cause an upset in the USA?
– World Cup Group A preview: Mexico, South Korea, Czechia and South Africa
Who are the key players in Group B?
Canada: Jonathan David
Canada’s main goal threat heading into the tournament, David will be expected to deliver in the biggest moments. His movement, finishing and composure in front of goal could be crucial to Canada’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Edin Dzeko
Even in the later stages of his career, Džeko remains Bosnia’s biggest name and a proven goalscorer at the highest level. His experience and finishing ability could make the difference in crucial moments.
Qatar: Akram Afif
Afif has been Qatar’s main attacking threat for several years and continues to be their most dangerous creative player. If Qatar are to progress, they will likely need him at his best.
Switzerland: Granit Xhaka
The experienced midfielder remains the heartbeat of the Swiss national team. Xhaka’s leadership, composure and control in midfield could be vital in tight group-stage matches.
What are the best bets for World Cup Group B?
Switzerland to win the group isn’t offering a great price, but given that they play Qatar in their opening game, they will likely be operating for a position of power for the rest of the group stage.
They could already have qualification for the knockouts wrapped up by the time their last game in Vancouver against the co-hosts rolls around.
Qatar are massive longshots to make it out of the group, and for good reason when you look at the squads of the other nations within the group.
That leaves Canada and Bosnia battling it out for the final qualification space – the opening game of the group could prove to be the most important.
Canada to qualify for the knockouts could be a great pick if you can get a favourable price.
With their hardest game of the group stage being their last, if Switzerland already have the group wrapped up, they might rotate their squad – something that could work in Canada’s favour.
Alternatively, Bosnia is also an attractive option for qualification. They are capable of grinding out results, as we saw in the qualification play-offs.
They will be physical and make games hard for their opponents, so keep an eye on their price.
Who will qualify from Group B?
- Switzerland
- Canada
- Bosnia
- Qatar
Switzerland look like the safest bet here; they have plenty of tournament pedigree in a group that is severely lacking in that department. Captain Granit Xhaka has proved he has plenty left in the tank in the Premier League with Sunderland this season and will be hoping to lead his nation to the knockouts and beyond.
Canada have the advantage of being a co-host, and that, coupled with them not playing Switzerland until the last round of group fixtures, gives them the slight edge over Bosnia. Don’t count Bosnia out completely though – the opening game of the group between these two could decide who qualifies.
Check out our other 2026 World Cup Group previews:
- – World Cup Group A preview: Mexico, South Korea, Czechia and South Africa
- – World Cup Group C preview: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland and Haiti
- – World Cup Group D preview: USA, Paraguay, Australia and Turkey
- – World Cup Group E preview: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curaçao
- – World Cup Group F preview: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia
- – World Cup Group G preview: Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand
- – World Cup Group H preview: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay
- – World Cup Group I preview: France, Senegal, Iraq and Norway
- – World Cup Group J preview: Argentina, Algeria, Austria and Jordan
- – World Cup Group K preview: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia
- – World Cup Group L preview: England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama
