Canada will headline Group B of the FIFA World Cup 2026 when they host Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on 12 June 2026, marking the first time the country stages men's World Cup matches. The group, which also features Switzerland and Qatar, kicks off on 11 June and pits teams from four different confederations against each other.

Canada eye a historic home breakthrough

Co-hosting with Mexico and the United States, Canada are chasing their first-ever World Cup win after returning to the global stage at Qatar 2022 following a 36-year absence. Under American head coach Jesse Marsch, the squad has shifted to a high-pressing 4-3-3 built on quick transitions and attacking width.

The roster blends Qatar 2022 veterans like forward Cyle Larin with a wave of dual nationals, including defenders Alfie Jones and Niko Sigur. Canada open in Toronto before two fixtures in Vancouver. The talisman remains Alphonso Davies, the 25-year-old Bayern Munich full-back and the nation's first World Cup goalscorer, who has been racing to full fitness after a hamstring injury picked up in the Champions League semifinal. Midfielder Ismael Kone, the 23-year-old Sassuolo box-to-box player who reportedly scored six goals in Serie A, is the player to watch.

Bosnia return after stunning Italy

Bosnia and Herzegovina are back at the World Cup for only the second time, 12 years after their Brazil 2014 debut, having eliminated former champions Italy on penalties in the UEFA play-off final. Coach Sergej Barbarez, a former Bundesliga forward, has built a hard-working 4-4-2 that relies on flank service from young wingers Kerim Alajbegovic and Esmir Bajraktarevic.

Ranked 65th in the world, the Dragons embrace the underdog tag. At 40, captain Edin Dzeko remains the focal point, with six goals in qualifying and a 1.93-metre frame that anchors the attack. The breakout name is Alajbegovic, an 18-year-old left winger fresh off a standout season at Red Bull Salzburg that triggered a buy-back clause from Bayer Leverkusen.

Qatar bid to prove 2022 was not a one-off

After losing all three matches as hosts in 2022, Qatar qualified on merit through the AFC route under new Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui, who was appointed in May 2025 after stints at Real Madrid and Spain. The reigning back-to-back Asian champions blend domestic-league familiarity with the experience of two Asian Cup-winning campaigns.

Creative leader Akram Afif, the 29-year-old Al Sadd forward and a two-time Asian Player of the Year, arrives off a season with 18 goals and 18 assists. Left-back Homam Al-Amin, the only squad member based outside Qatar's domestic league after a loan at Spanish second-division side Cultural Leonesa, brings continental seasoning.

Switzerland the group favourites

Switzerland top the seeding as Group B favourites after an unbeaten UEFA qualifying run in which they conceded just two goals — their sixth consecutive World Cup appearance. Coach Murat Yakin typically deploys a structured back three built around goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and forward Breel Embolo.

Captain Granit Xhaka, the team's all-time appearance leader with 144 caps and now at Sunderland after a title-winning unbeaten season at Bayer Leverkusen, dictates tempo from deep. The 20-year-old Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi, named UEFA Europa League Revelation of the Season, is tipped as a potential breakout star.

What lies ahead

With the expanded 48-team format allowing the best third-placed sides through, every point in Group B will matter. Switzerland's pedigree, Canada's home crowds, Bosnia's giant-killing form and Qatar's tactical reset set up one of the tournament's most unpredictable opening groups.