Qatar vs SwitzerlandFIFA World Cup 2026 · Group stage · Group B

Last World Cup host Qatar will take on the A-team in this Group B fixture, hoping to claim victory in their opening game of the FIFA 2026 WC, despite a difficult spell. Qatar vs. Switzerland kicks off at 20:00 [GMT+1] on Saturday, June 13, at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. Qatar will make their FIFA 2026 World Cup debut in Saturday’s match against Switzerland. This time around they would be looking to secure at least a point in the opening round after losing all three opening games in the FIFA 2022 WC. However, a difficult run could undermine their objectives of picking up a victory on Saturday. Under the guidance of Spanish manager and former Real Madrid, West Ham and Spain boss Julen Lopetegui, they have lost three of their last six matches and are currently without a win in their previous three outings [LDLLD]. Looking at the bigger picture, Qatar’s overall record is more encouraging. Across their last 30 matches in all competitions, they have won 15 and averaged 1.57 goals per game while conceding 1.37. Those numbers indicate a side capable of competing effectively when playing at their best. However, recent performances have raised concerns. Over their last eight matches, Qatar have averaged just 0.63 goals per game, a significant drop from their long-term attacking output. The responsibility for improving that return will largely fall on key attacking figures such as Akram Afif and Almoez Ali. Both players have been central to Qatar’s success in recent years, but they may require greater support from midfield if they are to break down a disciplined Swiss defence. A 4—3—3 formation with both players teaming up with Brazilian Edmílson Junior in attack is expected against Switzerland.

Switzerland arrive in much stronger form. Managed by Murat Yakin, they have won four of their last six matches and remain unbeaten in six consecutive games. More importantly, their performances have combined attacking efficiency with defensive solidity. Over their last eight competitive matches, Switzerland have averaged an impressive 2.13 goals scored per game while conceding only 0.75. Consistency is perhaps Switzerland’s greatest strength. They have avoided defeat in 81% of their last 27 matches, demonstrating reliability that is often crucial in major tournaments. They also possess the ability to put teams away when opportunities arise, having won by two or more goals in 40% of their last ten matches. Stade Rennais’ Breel Embolo is expected at the attacking end of Switzerland’s 4—2—3—1 formation. Gladbach’s Nico Elvedi and Inter Milan’s Akanji are both expected to be handed a start alongside Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka.

In the World Cup opener, Qatar managed a 1-1 draw against Switzerland at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium after a 0-1 first half.

Switzerland scored the first goal when Breel Embolo scored a penalty after 17 minutes, making it 1-0.

1-1 came through an own-goal in the 90th minute, which was the final result.

The next World Cup games for Qatar are Canada on 19 June and Bosnia and Herzegovina on 24 June. Switzerland play Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 June and Canada on 24 June.