Switzerland
Switzerland will have been bitterly disappointed with their opening showing in the 2026 World Cup when they were held to a 1-1 draw with Qatar. They dominated the match and created numerous chances .
The Swiss took the lead through a controversial penalty that was converted by Breel Embolo and had 25 shots on goal but could not find the second goal and as we see so often with a slender lead they were picked off in Inury time.
Although they were favourites to top the group at the start of the tournament they have left themselves an uphill task now in Group B with Canada & Bosnia still to play.
They face a Bosnia side in Los Angeles who sit a massive 45 places below them in the latest FIFA World Rankings.
A victory for the Swiss here tonight would surely guarantee qualification given the new format and 32 teams qualifying for the knockout stages.
Injuries & Team News
Switzerland have no injury concerns after the first match against Qatar. Yakin will likely maintain his central core for Thursday. Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi anchor the defence. Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo operate through the middle.
However, the manager might make some changes in attacking areas. Noah Okafor and Johan Manzambi are possible options here. The average age of their last starting lineup was historically old. Ricardo Rodríguez and Xhaka bring immense experience as tournament veterans. Embolo is currently enjoying his most prolific period in football.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-1 vs Qatar | D L D W D D |
Predicted Line-Up
Switzerland (3-4-2-1)
Kobel; Zakaria, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Aebischer, Xhaka, Freuler; Ndoye, Embolo, Manzambi
Bosnia
Picking up a point in their opening match, Bosnia-Herzegovina will be content to have drawn against Canada in what looked like being a difficult fixture at Toronto’s BMO Field.
After Jovo Lukic headed home to take the lead in the first-half, Sergej Barbarez’s side came under pressure in the second half and held on well until Southampton striker Cyle Larin executed well to level the score with 12 minutes remaining.
Following the final whistle, Zmajevi will undoubtedly be the happier of the two sides, but there will understandably be slight disappointment in the camp that they were unable to hold onto all three points and take a two point lead atop Group B into the second match.
Nonetheless, unbeaten in their previous nine matches, drawing each of their last six after 90 minutes, there will certainly be confidence that they can reach the four point mark to all but seal their participation in the knockouts.
In order to do so in their second group match, they would have to claim victory against a Switzerland side that they have only met on one prior occasion, beating them 2-0 in an international friendly in March 2016.
Injuries & Team News
Bosnia-Herzegovina have a major defensive concern ahead of this clash. Sead Kolasinac limped off late against Canada and remains doubtful. The medical team will carefully assess whether he sustained damage. That said, Nidal Celik picked up a training injury recently.
He will miss the tournament, and Arjan Malic replaces him. Jovo Lukic will hope to start again after scoring early. Sergej Barbarez has cleverly blended youth with squad experience. Skipper Edin Dzeko provides crucial veteran leadership.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-1 vs Canada | D W W D D D |
Predicted Line-Up
Bosnia (4-4-2)
Vasilj; Dedic, Katic, Muharemovic, Kolasinac; Bajraktarevic, Tahirovic, Basic, Alajbegovic; Demirovic, Lukic
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland Win | 8/15 (1.53) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 3/1 (4.00) | Dream Vegas |
| Bosnia Win | 5/1 (6.00) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Switzerland 1-1 Bosnia
Both of these sides are coming off draws in their opening fixtures and we fel there will be little to settle them in Los Angeles.