2026 World Cup Group B Betting Guide

Group B opens up in Toronto, Canada, where joint hosts Canada welcome Bosnia & Herzegovina to BMO Field on 12th June. One day later, Asian Cup holders Qatar will lock horns with Switzerland, making only their second ever appearance at the World Cup.

While Canada will play all three of their group games on home soil, Bosnia and Qatar will play their final group match in Seattle, Washington, hoping to book their place in the round of 16.

Switzerland are the clear favourites to win Group B, while the bookmakers believe it’s a two-horse race to finish second between Canada and Bosnia - but can Qatar stun both of those nations? Let’s dive into the teams and give you our best bets for you to redeem a World Cup betting promotion with.

Group B Team analysis

Canada

Expectations will be high for Canada in their own back yard who surprised many with a solid showing in the 2024 Copa America when invited. Since, Jesse Marsch’s side have only lost twice inside 90 minutes (Mexico and Australia), while picking up two 0-0 draws against Colombia and Ecuador.

There’s a real mix of levels with the squad but there’s enough talent within their ranks to hurt other teams on their day. Villarreal’s Tajon Buchanan and Juventus’ Jonathan David are their standout players, although LAFC’s Stephen Eustaquio, formerly of Porto, could be integral in the middle of Marsch’s preferred three man midfield.

Home advantage is always key during a World Cup, and although Canada lost all three matches four years ago, they appear more prepared and experienced this time round.

Switzerland

Switzerland were expected to find their World Cup qualification difficult but with Sweden falling short it allowed Murat Yakin’s side to waltz clear. The Swiss banked 14 points from a possible 18, scoring 14 goals while conceding just two.

Rennes’ Breel Embolo scored four of those, who had a solid season in France, while Dan Ndoye finished qualification with five goal contributions. A negative has been his lack of game time since moving to Nottingham Forest - Switzerland rely on his output from the wing.

However, a key to success in any tournament is a leader - and Switzerland have that with Granit Xhaka in the middle of the park. Since returning to the Premier League the Black Cats captain has been flawless - and his presence could be what carries his nation into the knockout stages.

The Swiss haven’t made it past the round of 16 since hosting the World Cup back in 1954, often knocked out in the first knockout phase. But they will be well supported to come out of a weak looking group and use their experienced European based players to lead the charge.

Bosnia

Bosnia overcame Wales and Italy through the play-offs to claim their place in the 2026 World Cup having failed to topple Austria in Group H. And they deserved it. Two penalty shootouts after holding Wales in Cardiff and giants Italy on home soil was enough to get them over the line.

Forward Haris Tabakovic scored three goals in four World Cup qualifiers and the 31-year-old on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach will no doubt operate on the right of the front three. Next to him, Edin Dzeko, a man that needs no introduction. Although 40, the Schalke forward scored late on against Wales and will be a constant threat inside the box.

However, their only clean sheets since the beginning of 2025 have come against Romania and San Marino. Defensively, there’s work to do against two nations that have an abundance of attacking talent.

Qatar

After a poor World Cup display when hosting back in 2022, Qatar will be hoping to make it out of the group stage this time round. With three places potentially up for grabs, everyone will fancy their chances of sneaking through - including the Asian Cup holders.

Qatar had to battle through multiple stages in order to make it to the finals - eventually coming through a fourth stage mini league against the UAE and Oman. The reason they ended up in this situation was down to missing out on automatic qualification in a group where Iran and Uzbekistan dominated.

If Qatar are to have any success in the summer, it will fall on Akram Afif’s shoulders in which to do so. The Al Sadd star contributed with four goals and 11 assists during 16 World Cup qualifiers - but he can’t do it all on his own - and this is where the 2022 holders will likely fall short.

Group B Betting tips

International football analyst, Nathan Joyes will be providing World Cup tips and predictions throughout the tournament. Here are his predictions for Group B.

Group winner: Switzerland - 10/11 with Betfred

Switzerland are expected to finish top of the pile and it’s difficult to argue against that happening. This is a nation that blew Sweden away twice during the qualifiers and have more experience at this level than any of their competitors.

It’s also fair to say that Switzerland have more quality and depth spread out with their squad compared to the others. Although Bosnia battled bravely to be here, they might have not if Italy had kept 11 men on the pitch. Qatar aren’t cut out for this level, proving that with poor away performances during their Asian qualifiers, whereas Canada’s odds are more lenient due to home support.

Even Switzerland’s 4-3 defeat against Germany in a recent friendly showed how dangerous they can be against one of the better nations heading to the US. Similar performances in Group B would see them come away in first place - just as they did during their qualifying campaign.

Qualifiers: Canada to qualify at 2/7

With Switzerland ready to seal first place, it’s over to Bosnia, Canada and Qatar to follow them in the knockout stage. However, it’s difficult to get away from the hosts for similar reasons to why Mexico are well fancied to perform.

The home support will be massive. And although two years ago, their performances at Copa America were better than expected, and Canada have kicked on under Jesse Marsch. Their head coach has experience and he will know how to see out games and utilise star assets such as Jonathan David to pinch points.

Bosnia are perhaps fortunate to be here, and will have every chance of sneaking through via the additional place. Qatar, unfortunately, will find life tough once again on the biggest stage of all.

Longshot team to watch: Canada

Could, then, Canada be a bet to advance through the knockout rounds? Priced at 100/1 at a selection of the best World Cup bookmakers, including Betfred, it doesn’t look as though they will be threatening any European or South American giants any time soon - but they could be a nation to back and cash out later in the tournament.

A generous draw, or two, could be exactly what they need and Marsch has had experience with this squad in a major tournament already. Hosts often perform better than expectations during a World Cup, and Canada could well be added to that list compared to other nations in Group B.

World Cup Group B Standings

2026 World Cup Group B Fixtures