Gazeta continues its countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, introducing readers to the tournament participants. Group B features speed-oriented Canada, consistent Switzerland, Qatar lacking fresh ideas, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, known for their strong character and willingness to take risks.
Canada is making its third World Cup appearance, having debuted in 1986 in Mexico. At the 2022 World Cup, Canada was considered one of the most promising young teams, but inexperience prevented them from advancing past the group stage. This time, Canada automatically qualified as one of the tournament hosts. Friendly matches against Iceland (2-2), Tunisia, and Guatemala (1-0) showed limited attacking efficiency. FIFA ranking: 30th.
In Canada's favor: American coach Jesse Marsh instilled confidence and self-belief in the team. Under his guidance, Canada reached the semifinals of the 2024 Copa América, putting up a respectable fight against Argentina (0-2). During this period, Juventus forward Jonathan David became Canada's all-time top scorer (37 goals). The squad also includes Villarreal's Tajon Buchanan, a player who embodies the term 'winger.' Mexican Marcelo Flores (UANL Tigres) bought into Marsh's ideas and now adds creativity to the midfield.
Against Canada: By early April, only David remained from the five key players. The absence of a right-back is particularly felt: Alistair Johnston (Celtic) is recovering from Achilles surgery. The goalkeeping position could be a significant weakness. Marsh may rely on Maxime Crépeau (Orlando) and Dayne St. Clair (Inter Miami) or Owen Goodman (Barnsley), but none guarantee full security.
Switzerland is making its 13th World Cup appearance, sixth in a row. They have advanced from the group eight times and reached the quarterfinals three times (1934, 1938, 1954). In qualifying, Murat Yakin's team played flawlessly, like a Swiss watch, securing an early berth by thrashing Sweden 4-1 at home. FIFA ranking: 19th.
In Switzerland's favor: Even without Xherdan Shaqiri and Yann Sommer, who retired after Euro 2024, the squad boasts plenty of stars. 33-year-old captain Granit Xhaka revived his career at Bayer Leverkusen after leaving Arsenal and even returned to England with Sunderland. He plays every minute of every match, contributing to attacks, shooting from distance, and arguing with referees. Center-back Manuel Akanji (Manchester City) has won every club trophy. Striker Breel Embolo (Monaco) is the main attacking force, with 10 goals for the national team, though injuries have limited his tally.
Against Switzerland: Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), Sommer's replacement, lacks international experience and consistency, especially on the line. Embolo is injury-prone and rarely tracks back. Additionally, Akanji's defensive partners Niko Elvedi and Silvan Widmer occasionally gift opponents chances.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is making its second World Cup appearance (first in 2014). Twelve years ago, they failed to advance from a tough group after losing to Argentina and Nigeria. This time, the Balkan team sensationally eliminated Italy, denying them a third consecutive World Cup, and beat Wales in the playoffs. In both playoff matches, Bosnia conceded first but secured the berth via penalty shootouts. FIFA ranking: 65th.
In Bosnia's favor: Coach Sergej Barbarez's project could either fail or create a sensation, but it will not be boring. A perfect blend of experience and youth: 40-year-old Edin Džeko (Fenerbahçe), who scored in Bosnia's only World Cup win in Brazil, and 23-year-old central midfielder Benjamin Tahirović (Ajax), who played every qualifier. 30-year-old goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj (St. Pauli) turned the penalty shootout against Italy into a show, while 21-year-old Esmir Bajraktarević (PSV Eindhoven) scored the decisive spot-kick.
Against Bosnia: As in 2014, the main weakness is the gap between starters and substitutes: Bosnia has 12-14 high-quality players, but behind them lies a void. This core relies on character and will, but whether they can last two halves against Canada and Switzerland remains an open question.
Qatar is making its first World Cup appearance (excluding the 2022 home tournament, where they did not need to travel). Four years ago, the 'maroons' lost all three group matches. This time, Qatar had to navigate four rounds of Asian qualifying. In Doha, a tense match against the UAE saw Qatar win 2-1 while a man down, securing the World Cup berth. FIFA ranking: 55th.
In Qatar's favor: The main star is Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui, hired in 2024 to erase the stigma of being the 'worst World Cup host' and painful losses to neighbors. Since then, no new bright names have emerged; the attack still relies on the duo of Almoez Ali and Akram Afif. 35-year-old Hassan Al-Haydos, the record appearance holder (185 caps), controls the players on and off the pitch.
Against Qatar: No matter how many goals Qatar scores, they concede even more. The team allowed two or more goals against Zimbabwe, Bahrain, and the UAE. There is no reason to believe they will concede fewer against Switzerland, Canada, and Bosnia. Qatar's defense relies on cohesion, but against faster, more decisive opponents, this cohesion will crack — lines will fail to keep up, gaps will appear, and errors will lead to goals.
Read the preview of Group C in Gazeta on May 17.
Source: www.gazeta.uz