The World Cup 2026 Group B stage is set for a decisive conclusion with two simultaneous matches kicking off at 20:00 UK time (21:00 CEST): Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar and Switzerland vs. Canada.
This group was originally intended for Italy, but their defeat in the World Cup playoff to Bosnia and Herzegovina changed the landscape.
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar
Bosnia and Herzegovina, featuring several Serie A players such as Sead Kolasinac (Atalanta), Tarik Muharemovic (Sassuolo), Ivan Basic (Venezia), and veteran striker Edin Dzeko (ex-Roma, Inter, Fiorentina), are seeking their first victory of the tournament. They are coming off a 1-1 draw with Canada and a 4-1 loss to Switzerland. Muharemovic is suspended for this match, as are Qatar’s Assim Madibo and Homam Al-Amin.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Starting Lineup: Vasilj; Radeljic, Katic, Malic, Kolasinac; Bakaktarevic, Sunjic, Basic, Alajbegovic; Demirovic, Dzeko
Qatar Starting Lineup: Abunada; Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Laye, Sultan Albrake; Jassem Gaber, Fathy, Boudiaf; Hassan Alhaydos, Akram Afif, Edmilson Junior
Match Summary: Bosnia and Herzegovina 2 – 1 Qatar
- 29′ – Goal for Bosnia and Herzegovina (Kerim Alajbegović, Assist: Ivan Basic)
- 34′ – Own Goal by Sultan Al-Brake (Qatar)
- 42′ – Goal for Qatar (Hasan Al-Haydos, Assist: Edmílson Junior)
Switzerland vs. Canada
In the other crucial Group B fixture, both Canada and Switzerland enter the match with four points, making this a direct contest for the top spot. Canada’s lineup includes Juventus striker Jonathan David, who scored a hat-trick in their dominant 6-0 win over Qatar. Sassuolo midfielder Ismael Kone is out with a fractured leg sustained in that match.
Switzerland boasts familiar faces from Serie A, including Inter defender Manuel Akanji, Bologna midfielder Remo Freuler, and Pisa’s Michel Aebischer. Milan’s Ardon Jashari is on the bench.
Switzerland Starting Lineup: Kobel; Jacquez, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka; Manzambi, Sow, Vargas; Embolo
Canada Starting Lineup: Crepeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Choiniere, Saliba, Ahmed; Jonathan David, Larin
Match Summary: Switzerland 0 – 0 Canada
- 32′ – Yellow Card for Cyle Larin (Canada)
- 32′ – Yellow Card for Granit Xhaka (Switzerland)
World Cup 2026 Group B Standings (after these matches):
[Insert Group B Standings Here – Not provided in the original text]