The 2026 World Cup is right around the corner, and we’ve got group stage action only weeks away. Group B presents an interesting collection of squads looking to make their mark on the world. I’m here to break down this group with a preview of the teams, predictions for the group winner, top goalscorers, and dark horses.
Group B Preview
Here’s a look at the odds to win Group B on the DraftKings Sportsbook:
Switzerland comes in as a solid favorite to win the group. They performed extremely well in the UEFA qualifications last year, winning four times and drawing twice with no losses. It was no surprise to see Granit Xhaka as the steady veteran hand in the midfield, and their defense excelled, allowing only two goals in those six matches. Dan Ndoye’s productivity as a winger was extremely important, and Breel Embolo finished chance after chance. Overall, their qualification went as well as they could expect, and the Swiss hope to carry that momentum into the group stage.
As one of the host nations, Canada had an automatic bid and the luxury of skipping the CONCACAF qualifiers. Much of their potential hinges on the availability of Alphonso Davies, their superstar left back. Davies was injured in the Champions League semi-final, and though he was included on the World Cup roster, manager Jesse Marsch has confirmed he will miss the opening game against Bosnia and Herzegovina. If Davies misses more of the group stage, it severely hampers their ability to advance. That’s a lot of pressure on a very young team to patch things together. But a big performance from Jonathan David would go a long way.
Bosnia and Herzegovina had a whirlwind qualification. Though they only lost one of their UEFA group stage qualifiers, a series of draws put them in the play-off for the final spots. Extra time and penalties were needed to settle their affair with Wales, setting them up as major underdogs against Italy. Once again, the Bosnians delivered after extra time, with a dramatic set of penalties to send the Italians packing and punch a ticket to the World Cup.
Esmir Bajraktarevic, who netted the winning penalty, is one of many youngsters bringing reinforcements to the roster. But Edin Dzeko is the story, without a doubt; at 40 years old, the most prolific player in the country’s history wants more glory before he retires from national team play. With six goals in nine qualifying matches, this unc’s still got it.
Qatar, the host nation in 2022, brings up the rear. This marks the first time the Qatari team has qualified through traditional routes; their first appearance in 2022 was due to host-nation status. After going 0-0-3 in the 2022 World Cup, even a draw would be seen as progress, and a win would be cause for celebration. If there’s a player who can deliver the magic, it’s Akram Afif, who poured in 15 goal involvements across 16 qualification matches.
Now we know these squads a bit better. Let’s get into some predictions.
Group B Predictions
It’s difficult to get value out of a group with a big favorite. Doubts over Alphonso Davies’ status hold significant sway over the group and push Switzerland into minus odds territory. Though I do think the Swiss should be significant favorites to win the group, a straight-up bet is a tough value proposition. So we have to get creative betting on Group B.
With no serious dark horse candidates, the value here is on the exact order. With a defense in top form and strong attacking talent, the Swiss will win this group. Smart money is on Bosnia to grab the second spot; they’re in good form after the qualifiers, and healthier than the Canadians. Canada will do enough against Qatar to avoid being dead last in the group.
Best Bet: Group B Exact Order (Switzerland/Bosnia/Canada/Qatar) +750
