Our World Cup coverage continues with a dive into Group B. This is another section without any superstar teams, but also without weakness, and everybody will think they can progress. Keep up with the whole tournament on the  World Cup Gambling Podcast. As we get ready for the World Cup, Baz and I are looking at all the angles and best bets to give you the best chance to win big no matter the odds, and I continue my deep dives with this Group B Preview and analysis.

Group B: Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia-Herzogovina, Qatar

Location: Toronto, Los Angeles, Santa Clara, Vancouver, Seattle. These cities will be important venues for matches in World Cup Group B.

• June 12 – Toronto Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina
• June 13 – Santa Clara Qatar vs Switzerland
• June 18 – Los Angeles Switzerland vs Bosnia & Herzegovina
• June 18 – Vancouver Canada vs Qatar
• June 24 – Vancouver Switzerland vs Canada
• June 24 – Seattle Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Qatar

FIFA World Cup 2026 | Group B Analysis and Best Bets

World Cup Group B brings together four sides with contrasting strengths and very different paths into the tournament, creating a group that feels wide open beneath a clear favourite. Switzerland arrive as the most established force — disciplined, experienced and usually dependable in group stages. Canada bring energy and ambition, a young, fearless team built on pace and pressing under Jesse Marsch. Bosnia & Herzegovina add grit and veteran know‑how, leaning on the enduring influence of Edin Džeko and Miralem Pjanić. Qatar round out the group as the outsiders, organised but limited, hoping cohesion can compensate for a lack of top‑level firepower. It’s a section where styles clash, margins shrink, and every slip could reshape the race for qualification. Keep up to date with the latest results and standings.

Switzerland 80/1, To Win Group -111, Q -1000 No 6/1

Switzerland have become a fixture at major tournaments, reliable and consistent without ever quite breaking through. They’ve featured in every World Cup since 2006 and reached the knockout stages in each of the last three editions, a testament to their organisation and resilience.

In qualification, the Swiss faced a decent level opposition. They held off Kosovo, Slovenia and Sweden to make it, although the majority of their good from was on home soil. This represents a concern, particularly if they advance and are required to play in more humid environments.

Granit Xhaka remains the heartbeat of the side, setting the tempo and standards, while Manuel Akanji anchors a defence that rarely gives much away. Up front, Breel Embolo and Ruben Vargas provide pace and movement, though goals can still be hard to come by. Switzerland operate just below Europe’s elite, but their structure and discipline make them awkward opponents for anyone. They should navigate Group B comfortably before likely falling to the first top‑tier team they meet. A  familiar story for a side that always delivers competence, if not surprise.

Canada -150/1, To Win Group +250,  Q -400 No +225

Canada enter their second consecutive World Cup with a sense of momentum and belief, building on their breakthrough appearance in 2022. They have the honour of being a co-host of the tournament. Whether this pressure manifests as a boost or a burden remains to be seen. Under former Leeds United gafferJesse Marsch, they’ve developed a clear identity — high‑energy pressing, quick transitions, and fearless attacking play.

The squad is led by Alphonso Davies. His pace and versatility make him one of the most dynamic players in the tournament. Jonathan David is a composed finisher with genuine European pedigree. Around them, Stephen Eustáquio adds control and balance in midfield, while Milan Borjan provides experience and leadership from the back. Canada’s youthful core gives them a fearless edge.

The most recent competitive form of Les Rouges isn’t great. They largely stumbled through their Gold Cup campaign. A draw with Curacao and defeat to Guatemala is not the form line that will see them pick up points here against good European opposition. Recent results are a good marker of their level.

A win v Qatar is a must, as Switzerland and Bosnia – Herzogovina will be tough. An opening match point or better v Bosnia – Herzogovina will put them in a decent spot to qualify.

Bosnia-Herzogovina 250/1, To Win Group +333, Q -300 No +225

Bosnia & Herzegovina return to the World Cup stage with a point to prove, carrying the rugged, disciplined identity that’s long defined them. This is a side built around defensive organisation and moments of individual brilliance rather than sustained possession.

The Golden Lillies provided the shock of qualification globally when defeating Italy on penalties in the European playoffs. In the group stages they pushed Austria all the way, showing a level of form that will absolutely compare with what they will face in this section.

Edin Džeko, still leading the line at 40, remains their emotional and tactical focal point. He’s a striker who can hold play, finish clinically, and inspire those around him. Behind him, Miralem Pjanić dictates rhythm and range, his passing still capable of unlocking defences, while Sead Kolašinac brings bite and leadership at the back. Bosnia’s strength lies in their resilience. They’re compact, hard‑working, and dangerous when the game slows down. They may not dazzle, but they’ll make every opponent earn their points.

Qatar  1000/1, To Win Group 33/1, Q +162 No -228

Qatar head into the Group B as a side trying to rebuild credibility after a disappointing home campaign in World Cup 2022. They’ve kept faith with much of that squad, but there’s a clearer sense of structure now under Julian Lopategui, who has tightened the defence and encouraged quicker transitions.

Qualification for the 2026 tournament was far from straightforward. Finishing only 4th in the initial Group stage with only 4 wins from 10 games, Qatar just about squeezed past the UAE to book their place.

Qatar’s recent form is very poor. Losses in the Arab Cup to Tunisia and Palestine and a friendly defeat to Zimbabwe doesn’t inspire confidence.

Akram Afif remains their standout talent — inventive, sharp, and capable of turning a game with a single moment. He is a 2-time AFC Player of the Year.  Almoez Ali continues to lead the line with tireless movement. In midfield, Abdulaziz Hatem brings calm and experience, helping balance the youthful energy around him. Qatar’s strength lies in cohesion. They know each other well, play with discipline, and rarely lose shape. They may not have the firepower to dominate, but they’re organised enough to frustrate. I’m not sure that they’re  opportunistic enough to steal points when chances come.

World Cup Group B Picks

Switzerland are worthy favs, but face tricky games v co-hosts Canada and a feisty Bosnia-Herzegovina so I won’t be taking the 9/10. However, the bracket does set up nicely for the Swiss to get a nice run to the Round of 16 before bumping into one of the top sides.

Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina can both make it out of the group with the foundation of a win v Qatar but again the price is prohibitive.

I think the play here is to put Qatar into complete fade and take them to lose all 3 games.

Qatar 0 points +150

Qatar lowest scoring tournament team 10/1

Switzerland Stage of Exit Round of 16 +240