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Qatar attend their second World Cup ever but this time they are their on merit and not hosts and prepare to face Switzerland at the 2026 World Cup

Qatar and Switzerland get their 2026 World Cup campaigns under way on Saturday with a Group B meeting in Santa Clara. The sides face each other in competitive action for the first time, with Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina also in the group. Qatar are at the finals for only the second time, following their host-nation appearance in 2022 that ended with a group-stage exit.

The bookies have priced this as one of the big mismatches in the expanded tournament with the Swiss the favourites by a very short 1/4 with Sky Bet while Qatar are 15/1 huge outsiders with Paddy Power and Betfred have 6/1 for a draw. You can also find more betting offers at the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers.

The Maroons booked their place at this summer’s tournament with a 2-1 win over the UAE last October, but they have since gone six matches without a victory. That run includes a 1-0 friendly defeat to the Republic of Ireland in late May, followed by a 1-1 draw with El Salvador on June 6 in their final warm-up.

With Group B looking wide open - and third place potentially enough to progress - Qatar will see this opener as a major chance to put themselves in the mix for a first-ever knockout berth. They have met Switzerland only once before, edging a 1-0 friendly win in 2018.

Switzerland, by contrast, are seasoned World Cup regulars and will be appearing at the finals for a 13th time. Each of their last three tournaments ended in the round of 16, and they have not gone out in the group stage since 2010. Their best finishes remain quarter-final runs in 1934, 1938 and 1954.

Murat Yakin’s side come into the match after a 1-1 draw with Australia in their final friendly, having beaten Jordan 4-1 in late May. They have lost just one of their last 14 matches in all competitions - a 4-3 friendly defeat to Germany in March - and will be targeting three points before taking on Bosnia-Herzegovina and Canada.

Qatar vs Switzerland Prediction

• Switzerland to win to nil - 5/6 ( Paddy Power )
• Granit Xhaka to score anytime - 17/5 ( Betfred )

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Qatar vs Switzerland Team News

Qatar are expected to start with Akram Afif, Yusuf Abdurisag and Edmilson Junior as their front three, with Afif (39 international goals) the main threat. Mahmud Abunada could be in goal, with Pedro Miguel and Boualem Khoukhi likely to partner in central defence.

Switzerland boss Murat Yakin has options in attack: Breel Embolo (24 goals) is available, but Zeki Amdouni is tipped to lead the line. Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez, Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler should provide experience through the spine of the side.

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