With Matchday 2 of the 2026 World Cup kicking off this afternoon, Mark Lynch runs us through four key questions that will be answered over the next 24 hours of Group B football.
It’s been so far so Group F Italia 90′ for these four teams. Two one all draws keeps everybody on a relatively even footing but there will be no need for drawing lots this time at the end of the group games as Fifa have tightened up the differentiation criteria. Nonetheless let’s have a look at Group B
As it stands:
1. Switzerland (Fair Play points -1)
2. Canada (Fair Play pts -2, World Ranking 30th)
3. Qatar (Fair Play pts -2, World Ranking 56th)
4. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Fair Play pts -3)
Where that leaves teams for the knockouts as things stand
B1- (Switzerland currently) Play one of the best 3rd Place teams July the 2nd (As things stand 3rd Place Group G- As things Stand Belgium)
B2- (Canada currently) Play the Runners- Up in Group A June 28th (As things stand Korea Republic)
B3- (Qatar currently) Do they make the best eight third place teams as things stand?- Yes- currently would play the Winners of Group D July 1st- (As things stand USA)
Questions for Group B teams:
Canada: Will we see Canada go with Larin and David up top for key game against Qatar?
Canada as outlined in the post match comments made by Jesse Marsh failed to get going in the first half against Bosnia. The second half was much better and brought its just reward with Cyle Larins equalising goal which brought with it Canadas first point at a World Cup. Next up is Qatar, the team perceived to be the weakest in the group.
Last Saturdays draw with Switzerland for Qatar while undoubtedly a victory for percevierance and a fantastic goalkeeping display, also came with a host of spurned Swiss chances. So it stands to reason that Canada while not the most creative team in their last match will still expect to create more against Qatar. The question is do they go with two up top in a bid to blitz the Qataris early or save either Larin or David in reserve to spring from the bench when Qatari limbs are tiring? This is undoubtedly Canadas best chance to progress tonight. How they line up may well decide their fate.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Can talisman Dzeko inspire shock in LA tonight?
Edin Dzeko was not fully fit last week so we did not see him last week. Manager Sergej Barbarez has stated the main aim is to have him fit for next week’s final group encounter with Qatar in a game which Bosnia will still hold their own fate in their hands. The results last week though offer a different opportunity though for Bosnia tonight as it’s difficult to see how much they would have seen from Switzerland to truly worry them.
Bosnias defence was excellent at times last week particularly their ability to throw in those last ditch tackles in the 95th odd minute. It’s up front that they need a little more impact and even at 40 Dzeko can provide that. You would imagine that to have him ready to start next match we will at least see some sort of cameo from him tonight. If the game is in the balance at that stage don’t bet against the wily veteran causing shockwaves in LA tonight against the more fancied Swiss team.
Qatar: Can Mahmud Abunada prove lightning can strike twice tonight?
Qatar much like Bosnia have a free hit tonight. They have also been 3 and a half years ago in the same position Canada are in now with the weight of being the host nation weighing heavily on their soldiers. They outdid themselves in drawing with Switzerland last week and undoubtedly had goalkeeper Abunada to thank for that with a heroic display.
Qatar under their experienced manager Lopetegui will again seek to stay in the game as long as possible tonight and to do that Abunada will need to be every bit as good as he was last week. If he is then he might just put himself on the radar of some of the Worlds biggest clubs.
Switzerland: How on earth did Switzerland not beat Qatar?
Switzerland are on a bit of a self-inflicted precipice right now. They created numerous chances last Saturday and failed to take all but one. A penalty as well which means for all their dominance from open play they could not take advantage.
I’m sure a lot of Swiss people right now are asking themselves what went wrong? There did seem to be a bit of complacency that slipped in before the end. You could also possibly point to the visa issues that plagued star forward Breel Embolo as another factor. You do fear that the profligacy in front of goal last week could come back to haunt them whether that’s by not winning the group or not qualifying at all is another matter. One thing is for sure they will need to be much more clinical tonight against Bosnia.
There we have it- it’s been called the Group of Life by some and by the early hours to tomorrow we shall see whose world cup hopes will be on life support. Enjoy the games!
