Group B at the 2026 World Cup is of extra significance, with host nation Canada looking to give their home support reason to cheer, and Switzerland, Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the way.
Qatar should be more dangerous than they were in 2022, and Bosnia still have enough experience to make games difficult.
Switzerland bring experience and consistency to the tournament, while Canada look like a side capable of surprising teams with their pace, energy and front-foot approach under Jesse Marsch.
Here’s a look at each nation and a prediction of who makes it through to the knockouts.
World Cup Group B guide
Canada
Canada may be one of the more interesting teams in this group. They play with intensity, athleticism and a high-energy style that should make them awkward for anyone.
Jesse Marsch’s Red Bull background is obvious in the way Canada want to play. They are likely to press high, attack space quickly and turn games into physical contests.
The big question is goals. Jonathan David has not had the season Canada would have wanted after his move to Juventus, and they need him to rediscover his scoring touch quickly.
Still, there is enough pace and power in this side to make a serious push for the knockout rounds. In a group without an obvious heavyweight, Canada have a real chance, especially with star player Alphonso Davies back in the fold.
Switzerland
Switzerland are probably the safest pick in Group B. They were unbeaten in qualifying and have built a reputation for being reliable at major tournaments.
The strange part is their knockout record. For all their consistency, they have still struggled to take the next step on the World Cup stage.
Granit Xhaka remains the leader of the team and arrives after one of the best seasons of his career at Sunderland. His control and experience in midfield could be the difference in a group like this.
There will be pressure on Breel Embolo to provide goals, while Dan Ndoye and Ruben Vargas need to bring enough threat around him. Yann Sommer’s absence removes experience, but Switzerland still look well balanced.
Qatar
Qatar should not be written off. They have athleticism, organisation and a manager in Julen Lopetegui who will have his own point to prove at a World Cup.
Lopetegui never got the chance to lead Spain at the 2018 tournament after leaving before the opening game, so this is a major opportunity for him to make an impact on this stage.
Akram Afif is the obvious danger. He has been a standout performer for Al Sadd and gives Qatar a creative, direct attacking threat who can decide tight games.
The concern is whether Qatar have enough across the pitch to finish above Canada or Switzerland. They can make the group uncomfortable, but progression still feels like a big ask.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina arrive with experience, but the flipside of that is a lack of youthful energy in the side.
Edin Dzeko is still the headline name, and his intelligence, presence and finishing instincts remain important. But at 40, Bosnia cannot expect him to carry the attack alone.
They will need to be compact, disciplined and efficient with the chances they create. Bosnia have enough know-how to take points from someone, but they may need one of the group favourites to underperform if they are going to reach the knockouts.
Predicting Group B at the World Cup
As we mentioned at the top, there are two clear frontrunners — that’s Canada and Switzerland.
I think Canada are in line for a positive tournament, and back them to take top spot, with the Swiss having to settle for second.
Bosnia have the best chance at giving those two problems, so they can take third with Qatar fourth.
