The 2026 World Cup is the biggest edition in the tournament’s history, as 48 nations headed to Mexico, Canada and the United States to battle for football’s most coveted prize.
Co-hosts Canada are in Group B alongside European nations Bosnia & Herzegovina and Switzerland, as well as hosts of the 2022 edition, Qatar.
With only two automatic qualification spots available and the first round of matches played, this group could turn out to be one of the most competitive ones, and with that in mind, MrFixitsTips takes a look at the 2026 World Cup Group B predictions, odds, key players, and fixtures.
Which teams are in Group B of the 2026 World Cup?
Canada
Co-hosts Canada are participating in just their third World Cup finals, but their second in a row, after exiting in the group stage in Qatar in 2022 having lost all three of their matches.
Former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch is in charge of the national team, and after opening the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada responded in emphatic fashion on Matchday Two.
The Canucks produced one of the performances of the tournament so far, thrashing Qatar 6-0 in Vancouver to record their first-ever World Cup victory. Jonathan David starred with a hat-trick, while Cyle Larin, Nathan Saliba and an own goal completed the rout.
The victory moved Canada to four points from two matches and put them firmly on course for qualification. However, the celebrations were tempered by a serious injury suffered by midfielder Ismael Kone, who was stretchered off following a dangerous challenge.
Canada fell 2-1 to Switzerland in their final group match despite Promise David pulling a goal back in the second half after strikes from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi had put the Swiss in control.
Nevertheless, Marsch's side finished second in Group B with four points and secured a historic place in the Round of 32, where they will meet South Africa in Los Angeles.
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bosnia qualified for just their second major tournament as an independent nation after defeating both Wales and Italy on penalties in the playoffs in March. The team could have qualified without all the drama if not for Austria's 77th-minute equaliser in the final qualifying match.
Sergej Barbarez, who made his managerial World Cup debut this summer, has united the squad and turned Bosnia into a competitive side.
The Dragons' only previous World Cup appearance came in Brazil in 2014, where they exited in the group stage despite defeating Iran.
Bosnia began the tournament with a creditable 1-1 draw against Canada before suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat to Switzerland on matchday two after Tarik Muharemovic's red card allowed the Swiss to pull away late in the contest.
Facing elimination, Bosnia produced an outstanding response by defeating Qatar 3-1 on matchday three. Goals from Kerim Alajbegovic, Mahmoud Abunada and Ermin Mahmic secured all three points and lifted the Dragons onto four points, enough to qualify as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams. They have been rewarded with a Round of 32 meeting against co-hosts the United States.
Qatar
After hosting the 2022 edition, Qatar reached the 2026 finals through qualification for the first time after coming through the AFC route.
The Maroon One are led by record goalscorer Almoez Ali and two-time Asian Player of the Year Akram Afif, with hopes of improving on their disappointing home World Cup four years earlier.
Qatar claimed their first-ever World Cup point with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland on matchday one, raising hopes that they could finally make an impact on football's biggest stage.
However, those hopes were dented by a crushing 6-0 defeat to Canada on matchday two, a chaotic encounter that also saw them finish with nine men after two red cards.
Needing victory to keep their hopes alive, Julen Lopetegui's side instead fell 3-1 to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their final group fixture.
The defeat left Qatar bottom of Group B with just one point from three matches, bringing another disappointing World Cup campaign to an early end despite making history by collecting their first-ever point in the competition.
Switzerland
Switzerland once again qualified for the World Cup finals after topping their qualifying group, finishing three points clear of Kosovo.
The Red Crosses have become regulars on the biggest stage, reaching each of the last six World Cups before this tournament.
Murat Yakin's side began with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Qatar before responding with an impressive 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on matchday two, thanks largely to Johan Manzambi's second-half brace.
The Swiss completed the job on the final matchday by defeating Canada 2-1. Ruben Vargas and Manzambi were again on target before Promise David halved the deficit, but Switzerland held firm to secure top spot in Group B with seven points.
Winning the group means Yakin's men advance to the Round of 32 full of momentum, where they will face Algeria as they look to reach the last 16 for a fourth consecutive World Cup.
2026 World Cup Group B group winners and qualification predictions
Group B winner odds
- Canada (8/15)
- Switzerland (11/8)
- Bosnia & Herzegovina (5/1)
- Qatar (25/1)
Group B qualification odds
- Switzerland (1/1000)
- Canada (1/1000)
- Bosnia & Herzegovina (2/5)
- Qatar (13/2)
2026 World Cup Group B fixtures and odds
Group B guide & predictions
Note: All above odds were correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Given their major tournament experience, Switzerland were favourites to win Group B pre-tournament, and they lived up to expectations, while Canada finished second.
Bosnia & Herzegovina did enough to clinch third and secure a round of 32 spot, while Qatar were favourites to finish bottom in the group and did not pull off a surprise.
Before you place your bet, make sure to check out our list of the best World Cup betting apps.
Greg MacLean is a football tipster and betting analyst who has been writing on the Mr Fixit site for 4 years now, as well as having his own Private Telegram Channel. He is a Rangers season ticket holder and watches plenty of football not only here in the UK but all across Europe and all over the world. To keep up to date on everything, feel free to follow him on Twitter/X (GregMacLean_).
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