Who: Qatar vs Switzerland
Content: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B matches
Location: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (San Francisco, USA)
Date and time: Saturday, 12pm local time (19:00 GMT)
How to follow: Get all the latest updates on Al Jazeera Sports
Asian champions Qatar begin World Cup action on Saturday, looking to erase memories of their disastrous home tournament in 2022, when they lost all three group stage matches.
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The Middle Eastern nation will face off against Switzerland, who are undefeated in a competitive match since the end of 2024, in San Francisco in a tough first match of Group B.
With Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina drawing 1-1 in Friday’s opener, Qatar and Switzerland will be looking for a chance to top their group with a win on the U.S. West Coast.
Qatar aims for first World Cup goal
Qatar are back on the world stage four years after their home World Cup defeat. They lost all three games in 2022, scoring the only goal, an unprecedented low for a tournament host country.
Since that disappointing tournament, Qatar has achieved success, winning the 2023 Asian Cup and defending their title in that competition.
They also qualified for this World Cup on their own, securing a spot in North America with a 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates in October 2025.
Since former Spain national team and Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui took over as manager in May 2025, the campaign to qualify has become more active.
“When we came here a year ago, more or less, our goal was (to qualify). That was our dream. Inshallah, we achieved it. With the help of this group. They made history,” Lopetegui told reporters on Friday.
“Right now we don’t want to stop. We know what kind of opponents we will face. We know we are in the World Cup, but we want to follow our dreams.”
“In the same way, (we) don’t think anyone’s going to give us any presents here. Right now, we just want to be as competitive as possible starting with the first game tomorrow.”
Switzerland hopes for the best World Cup in history
Switzerland has qualified for the World Cup for the sixth year in a row, a feat matched only by France, Spain, England, Portugal and Germany in Europe.
However, Switzerland has had little to show for it, losing in the round of 16 in five of their past six appearances, with their last quarter-final appearance dating back to 1954.
The European nation has high expectations for this World Cup, with the team going into the tournament confident after going unbeaten in qualifying and conceding just two goals.
Captain Granit Xhaka said on Friday: “Tomorrow I just want to play the ‘A’ game. I want to perform for Switzerland, for my family. Tomorrow we take the first big step. It’s going to be the best World Cup.”
“We’re in a rush right now,” he added. “We’re ready and ready. We’re ready physically and mentally.”
Switzerland are sticking to much the same group as last World Cup, with an attacking line-up that includes up-and-comers such as Dan Doe and versatile newcomer Johan Manzambi, supported by dependable Granit Xhaka, Manuel Akanji and Ricardo Rodriguez, who have a combined 365 caps.
How will the World Cup group stage be played?
Group B is made up of Qatar, Switzerland, Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The top two teams in each of the 12 groups and the top eight teams in third place advance to the next stage, the Round of 32, which was first introduced at the World Cup.
Canada and Bosnia now each have one point after drawing in Toronto.
What happened the last time Switzerland played Qatar?
The two teams have only met once before, with Qatar defeating Switzerland 1-0 in 2018.
Akram Afif’s 88th-minute goal was the deciding factor as Qatar overcame a gap of 88th place in the FIFA rankings to win the international friendly in Lugano.
Form guide:
(Last 5 games, newest first)
Qatar: DLLDL
Switzerland: DWDLD
Qatar’s preparations for the World Cup have been far from ideal, with friendlies against Serbia and Argentina forced to be postponed due to the US and Israel’s war against Iran.
They have only played two games this year, losing 1-0 to Ireland in a friendly and drawing 0-0 with El Salvador in their most recent warm-up match.
Switzerland drew 1-1 with Australia in the final warm-up match of the World Cup.
Where can I watch Qatar vs Switzerland?
Qatari fans will be able to watch the match on beIN SPORTS, with kick-off scheduled for Saturday night at 10pm local time.
In Switzerland, the match will start at 9pm local time and supporters will be able to watch the entire match on Swiss public broadcaster SRG SSR.
UK viewers can watch on ITV, while US viewers can tune in to Fox.
Qatar and Switzerland team news
Julen Lopetegui has no injury problems and has a fully fit squad to choose from.
He will likely stick with the attacking trio of Edmilson Junior, Akram Afif and Youssuf Abdulisag in a 4-3-3 formation.
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin also had no worries about injuries ahead of the opening game of this World Cup, and his main worries were focused on which attacking option to start.
Bril Embolo and Zeki Amdouni are aiming to start in the final third.
Qatar’s projected starting lineup:
Mahmoud Abunada (goalkeeper); Ayoub Al Wi, Boualem Kuki, Pedro Miguel, Homam Ahmed. Issa Rae, Ahmed Fatih, Jassim Gaber. Yusuf Abdulisag, Akram Afif, Edmilson Jr.
Switzerland’s expected starting lineup:
Gregor Cobel (goalkeeper); Sylvain Widmer, Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, Ricardo Rodriguez. Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler. Ruben Vargas, Fabian Rieder, Dan Ndoye. Zeki Amdouni.
