Qatar vs Switzerland: World Cup group match – preview, team news, lineups

Who: Qatar vs Switzerland What: FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match Where: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, US When: Saturday, 12pm local time (19:00 GMT) How to follow: Keep up with all updates on Al Jazeera Sport

Asian champions Qatar begin their World Cup campaign on Saturday , looking to banish the memories of their dismal home tournament in 2022 when they lost all three group games.

The Middle East nation faces a tough opening Group B match in San Francisco, taking on a Switzerland side that are unbeaten in competitive matches since late 2024.

With Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina drawing 1-1 in their opener on Friday, both Qatar and Switzerland will be eyeing the chance to take control of the group with a victory on the US West Coast.

Qatar return to the world stage four years after their home World Cup went sour. They lost all three matches in 2022 and scored a solitary goal, in an unprecedented low for a tournament host.

Since that disappointing tournament, Qatar have enjoyed success, winning the 2023 Asian Cup to defend their title in that competition.

They also qualified for this World Cup under their own steam, securing their spot in North America with a 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates in October 2025.

Their qualification campaign was revitalised after former Spain and Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui took charge in May 2025.