2026 World Cup: Group B preview, odds & predictions

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Ladbrokes shares its in-depth Group B preview, with a look at each nation, the full schedule, and the bookies' favourites.

It's Switzerland who the bookies are tipping to top Group B, with co-hosts Canada next in line to progress to the round of 32 according to Ladbrokes' latest odds. Bosnia and Qatar complete an entertaining group, with all four nations carrying genuine aspirations of reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Bosnia are looking forward to their first World Cup since 2014, where a group-stage exit ended their tournament much earlier than they hoped, and they'll fancy their chances of bettering that finish this time around in an evenly-matched Group B.

With familiar names to European fans including Edin Dzeko, Ermedin Demirovic, and Sead Kolasinac, Bosnia are odds-on to get out of the group at the 2026 World Cup - even if that is as one of the competition's best third-placed teams. A first-ever knockout appearance as Bosnia & Herzegovina is certainly the aim for Sergej Barbarez's side, and they arrive for their opening match in Toronto in excellent form.

Bosnia beat Italy in the World Cup play-offs to reach this point, and they won't want that effort to go to waste, so expect resilient performances with heaps of heart - and the odd sprinkling of real quality to go with it.

Canada

One of three co-hosts at this summer's tournament, Canada are preparing for just their second World Cup since Mexico 1986, and having never progressed past the group stages, this year presents a genuine opportunity for Jesse Marsch's men to make history.

A couple of global stars will be donning the shirt for Canada this summer, with Alphonso Davies and potential Golden Boot hopeful Jonathan David the standout names, but with a host of players plying their trade across top European leagues, the entire squad has an excellent balance to it - that could cause the rest of Group B a lot of issues.

The Canadians are tipped to get out of the group according to the latest odds, which would make for a magical summer in those parts, with some potentially eye-catching matchups in the knockouts should they achieve their goal. And if AI's predictions are to be believed, something special could be in store for one of the tournament's co-hosts!

Qatar

The outright underdogs of Group B, Qatar are appearing at just their second World Cup (after making their tournament debut in 2022), but they will feel well equipped to achieve something they've never managed before - win a World Cup match.

They've got former Wolves and West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui at the helm in an attempt to bring some elite experience into their ranks, and despite not having many players who jump off the page, their overall unit could be the key this summer.

Qatar don't arrive in the States in great form, having only picked up three wins in 2025, but with 2022's experience in the bank and little external pressure on their shoulders, they could prove a really exciting team to watch.

Switzerland

The final team to line up in Group B are the favourites, with Switzerland odds-on to top the group and secure progression to the World Cup knockout stages for a fourth consecutive tournament - and a fifth time since 2006.

Led by manager Murat Yakin, Switzerland finished top of their qualifying group without losing a game, and they haven't lost a competitive match since defeat to Spain in November 2024, so it's little surprise to see them as the frontrunners to escape Group B this summer.

Manuel Akanji, Granit Xhaka, Noah Okafor, and Breel Embolo are just some of the names dotted throughout this impressive Switzerland squad, and with a real chance of qualifying for the round of 32 as group winners, the Swiss will be looking to go as far as the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954.

It's Switzerland who are fancied by Ladbrokes to top Group B and progress to the knockout stages at the World Cup, with their squad possessing strength in depth that other sides could only dream of. Top-level experience throughout their ranks and round-of-16 appearances at recent World Cups suggest they've got what it takes to go deep into the tournament.

Next in the bookies' odds are Canada, with Jesse Marsch's co-hosts tipped to have an enjoyable summer on their own turf, ahead of a Bosnia side who will consider this a real opportunity to achieve something special - particularly with such an enlarged format this time around.

Qatar bring up the Group B odds as the underdogs, but they won't fear any opponent as they strive to pick up a first-ever World Cup victory.

Ladbrokes' 2026 World Cup betting guide provides all the tips you need to place calculated, well-informed wagers on Group B.

• Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina (Friday, 12 June - 20:00 BST)

• Qatar vs Switzerland (Saturday, 13 June - 20:00 BST)

• Switzerland vs Bosnia & Herzegovina (Thursday, 18 June - 20:00 BST)

• Canada vs Qatar (Thursday, 18 June - 23:00 BST)

• Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Qatar (Wednesday, 24 June - 20:00 BST)

• Switzerland vs Canada (Wednesday, 24 June - 20:00 BST)

You can also find the full 2026 World Cup fixture schedule here.

Predicted standings:

• 1) Switzerland

• 2) Bosnia & Herzegovina

• 3) Canada

• 4) Qatar

Ladbrokes is predicting that Switzerland - who might even have half an eye on going all the way - stay true to form in Group B and finish as group winners, with Bosnia edging out Canada to finish second and qualify automatically for the round of 32.

Our experts think that Canada could slightly underperform on the big stage, with an expectant home crowd adding real pressure, and it's Qatar who we're expecting to round off the group - potentially with no more than a single point.

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All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.

View the latest World Cup 2026 odds.