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 particpating 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 group games.
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 now head into a decisive final group match against Switzerland knowing that a positive result could secure top spot in Group B.
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 just made his managerial debut at the World Cup, has managed to unite the team and make Bosnia a competitive force, and their experience with penalty kicks could prove crucial at the World Cup.
The Dragons' only previous appearance at the World Cup finals came in Brazil in 2014, where they exited in the group stage, finishing third in their group and claiming a solitary success over bottom-side Iran.
Bosnia began the tournament with a creditable 1-1 draw against Canada, but followed that with a difficult outing against Switzerland on matchday two.
For more than 70 minutes, Barbarez's side looked capable of frustrating the Swiss, but the contest unravelled late on. Johan Manzambi broke the deadlock in the 74th minute before Bosnia were reduced to 10 men following Tarik Muharemovic's dismissal, allowing Switzerland to run away with a 4-1 victory, with Bosnia's only response coming through a late consolation goal from Ermin Mahmic.
The defeat leaves Bosnia on one point from two matches and facing a must-win encounter against Qatar if they are to have any chance of reaching the knockout rounds.
Veteran striker Edin Dzeko remains a key figure within the squad, and Bosnia will hope his experience can inspire them in what has become a crucial final group fixture.
Qatar
After hosting the 2022 edition, Qatar advanced to the finals of the World Cup through qualification for the first time, after coming through the AFC route.
The Maroon One are led by their record goal-scorer Almoez Ali, who has scored 60 goals across his 126 caps, and two-time Asian Player of the Year, Akram Afif, fresh from his triumph in the Qatar Stars League with Al Sadd.
These stars and the entire team are looking to do better than the last time, when they lost all three of their group-stage matches against the Netherlands, Senegal and Ecuador as hosts, which meant they were yet to record any point at a World Cup.
The Maroon One did pick up their first-ever World Cup point in a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland on matchday one of the 2026 World Cup, raising hopes that they could finally make an impact on the global stage.
However, those hopes suffered a major setback in their second outing as they were dismantled 6-0 by Canada. Qatar struggled from the outset and eventually finished the match with only nine players following two red cards in a chaotic encounter.
The heavy defeat leaves Julen Lopetegui's men with just one point from two games and a severely damaged goal difference, meaning victory against Bosnia in their final group match is likely to be essential.
While stars such as Afif and Ali remain capable of producing moments of quality, Qatar now face an uphill battle to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Switzerland
Switzerland once again qualified for the World Cup finals after topping their World Cup qualifying group, finishing three points clear of runners-up Kosovo.
The Red Crosses have become a mainstay at the World Cup finals in the 21st century, having now qualified for each of the previous six editions, losing in the Round of 16 on the last three occasions.
Murat Yakin’s side has plenty of experience in their squad and are captained by record cap holder Granit Xhaka.
The Swiss opened their campaign with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Qatar, surrendering victory deep into stoppage time despite dominating large portions of the contest.
Yakin's side responded impressively on matchday two, defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 to move onto four points. After a tense and goalless opening 70 minutes, substitute Manzambi transformed the match with two goals, while Ruben Vargas and Granit Xhaka also found the net.
The result has left Switzerland in a strong position heading into their final group fixture against Canada, with qualification now firmly within their grasp.
The Swiss will now have their sights set not only on reaching the knockout rounds but potentially winning Group B.
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, but things have since switched up after two matchdays, with Canada have overtaken them as favourites to win the group, priced at 1.53 on bet365.
However, the Swiss are still favourites to qualify from the group ahead of Bosnia & Herzegovina, while Qatar remain favourites to finish bottom in the group which is understandable given their dismal showing against Canada.
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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