Get our Qatar vs Switzerland prediction, lineups, and betting tips for Saturday's World Cup 2026 clash. Find the best odds and bet builder picks here.
Qatar vs Switzerland Match Summary
Competition | World Cup 2026 |
|---|---|
Match Date | Saturday 13 June 2026 |
Match Time | 20:00 BST |
Venue (City, Stadium) | Santa Clara, Levi's Stadium |
Broadcast (TV / Streaming / Radio / Bookmaker Streaming) | ITV1 / ITVX |
Qatar and Switzerland meet in their Group B opener at the 2026 World Cup, with kick-off at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on Saturday evening.
Qatar make only their second World Cup appearance and their first through on-pitch qualification, giving this fixture a landmark feel for the Asian side.
Switzerland topped UEFA Qualifying Group B unbeaten and arrive in the United States brimming with confidence after a strong 2025 campaign.
The only previous meeting between these two ended in a shock 1-0 Qatar win in a 2018 friendly, with Akram Afif grabbing the late winner in Lugano.
Qatar vs Switzerland Form
Qatar's form heading into the tournament is a concern. They qualified through a hard-fought AFC playoff, but pre-tournament outings have been poor, losing 1-0 to Ireland and drawing nil-nil with El Salvador. Akram Afif and Almoez Ali remain their key attacking threats, though chances have been hard to come by.
Switzerland look a far more settled outfit. They cruised through European qualifying with standout wins including a 4-1 demolition of Sweden. Their recent friendlies showed good balance, beating Jordan 4-1 before a 1-1 draw with Australia. Granit Xhaka continues to run the engine room.
Qatar vs Switzerland Lineups & Team News
Injuries & Suspensions
Qatar: No confirmed injuries or suspensions reported.
Switzerland: No confirmed injuries or suspensions reported.
Qatar
Confirmed lineups are not yet available for Qatar. The starting XI is expected to be announced closer to kick-off. Key names to watch include Akram Afif and Almoez Ali, who spearheaded the qualifying campaign.
Switzerland
Switzerland's confirmed lineup is also awaited. Gregor Kobel is expected in goal, with Granit Xhaka and Ricardo Rodríguez set for their fourth consecutive World Cup. Young winger Johan Manzambi could provide pace off the bench or from the start.
Qatar vs Switzerland Predicted Lineup
Qatar
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Starting Lineup: Abunada; Amin, Miguel, Khoukhi, Oui; Gaber, Fathy, Boudiaf; Afif, Ali, Junior.
Switzerland
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Starting Lineup: Kobel; Widmer, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodríguez; Freuler, Xhaka; Ndoye, Aebischer, Manzambi; Embolo.
Qatar vs Switzerland Key Stats & Match Facts
Switzerland conceded just two goals across six qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup, demonstrating an exceptionally well-drilled defence.
Qatar failed to score in either of their two June warm-up fixtures, losing 1-0 to Ireland and drawing 0-0 with El Salvador.
The only previous meeting between these two sides was a 2018 friendly, which Qatar won 1-0 courtesy of an 86th-minute Akram Afif goal.
Qatar averaged 12.8 fouls per match in 2025-2026, significantly more than Switzerland's average of 9.2 to 10.5, suggesting a more physical approach from the Group B underdogs.
Switzerland averaged between 53% and 61% possession during the 2025-2026 cycle, compared to Qatar's 48.5%, pointing towards Swiss control of the ball in this fixture.
Qatar vs Switzerland Prediction & Best Bets
Our prediction: Switzerland to win this fixture comfortably. The gulf in quality between these two sides is significant, and Qatar's dire pre-tournament form offers little reason for optimism. Expect the Swiss to dominate possession and create enough to win without conceding.
Best Bets
Over 2.5 Goals at 8/11 with Betfred. Switzerland have shown they can be ruthless, scoring four against both Sweden and Jordan in recent outings. Qatar's leaky defence conceded heavily through qualifying, and this fixture looks ripe for goals.
Over 3.5 Goals at 9/5 with Bet Victor. For those looking at bigger value, the Swiss attack could run riot against a side that has struggled to keep things tight. At 9/5 with Bet Victor this represents decent odds for a one-sided Group B opener.
Qatar vs Switzerland Bet Builder
Our four-leg bet builder backs Switzerland to win, Breel Embolo to score anytime, both teams to score: no, and Assim Madibo to be shown a card, priced at 12/1.
Switzerland are the clear favourites with a 76% AI-predicted probability. Their dominant qualifying campaign and Qatar's poor warm-up results make an outright Swiss victory the obvious starting point.
Breel Embolo carries a 53.92% probability to find the net. He is a direct, physical striker who thrives against deep-sitting defences, and Qatar's backline looks vulnerable.
Both teams to score: no fits the narrative of a stubborn Swiss defensive unit that conceded only twice in six qualifying matches. Qatar's blunt attack managed just nil-nil against El Salvador recently.
Assim Madibo, Qatar's combative midfielder, carries a 32.29% probability of being carded. He is likely to be busy disrupting Swiss passing lanes, making a booking a realistic outcome.
At the time of writing, this bet builder pays a best price of 12/1 and is as short as 13/2 elsewhere. That's a difference in potential winnings of £55 from best to worst price.
Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builder with Oddschecker's Exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.
Bet builder odds correct at time of publishing.
Qatar vs Switzerland Talking Points
The biggest storyline here is whether Qatar can compete at all. Their 2022 World Cup was a disaster on home soil, and this is their chance to prove that tournament was not the sum total of their ambitions. For Switzerland, Granit Xhaka remains the man to watch. If he is allowed to dictate tempo unchecked, it could be a long evening for the Asian side. Gregor Kobel in goal and the electric pace of Johan Manzambi give the Swiss real quality throughout the pitch, while Qatar will lean on Afif to conjure something on the counter.
Qatar vs Switzerland Predictions FAQs
When is the Qatar vs Switzerland World Cup 2026 match?
The match is scheduled to kick off on Saturday 13 June 2026 at 20:00.
What is the prediction for Qatar vs Switzerland?
Our prediction and betting tips for this World Cup 2026 fixture will be updated with the latest team news and form analysis.
Where can I find the lineups for Qatar vs Switzerland?
Confirmed lineups and team news for both Qatar and Switzerland will be available shortly before kick-off.
What are the best betting tips for Qatar vs Switzerland?
We provide comprehensive betting tips, odds analysis, and bet builder picks for the match as the kick-off approaches.
Disclaimer
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