Qatar vs Switzerland: prediction & betting odds 13 June 2026

Form and Line-up Qatar

Qatar arrive as the clear outsiders in the group, but without the feeling of being accidental participants. This is a two-time Asian champion (2019, 2023), who have reached the World Cup through qualification for the first time in their history rather than as hosts. The route was uneven. In the second round, the team collected 16 points and started with a thrashing of Afghanistan (8:1), but they dipped in the third round: 13 points, fourth place and 24 goals conceded in 10 matches. The team secured their ticket in the fourth round, drawing 0:0 with Oman and then edging the UAE (2:1).

Key numbers:

• Almost the entire squad is made up of players from the Qatar championship; the only footballer from a foreign club is Homam Al-Amin.

• Qatar conceded 24 goals in 10 matches in the third round of qualifying.

• At the 2022 World Cup, Qatar lost all three group matches and scored only one goal.

Probable line-up (4-2-3-1): Meshaal Barsham - Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Lucas Mendes, Sultan Al-Brake - Karim Boudiaf, Assim Madibo - Edmilson Junior, Mohammed Al-Mannai, Akram Afif - Almoez Ali.

Absentees: there are no suspensions. Nill Mason, Sebastian Soria, Tarek Salman and Mohammed Waad did not make the final squad.

Form and Line-up Switzerland

Switzerland are the most balanced team in this group and the main favourites in the section. This will be their sixth consecutive World Cup, a run that began in 2006, and their 13th appearance at the tournament overall. In qualifying, the team finished first in the group and went through unbeaten: 14 points from six rounds, 14 goals scored and only two conceded. After the departures of Yann Sommer, Xherdan Shaqiri and Fabian Schar, the team have changed slightly, but the core remains strong: Xhaka leads the midfield, Akanji anchors the defence and Kobel has become the first-choice goalkeeper.

Key numbers:

• Switzerland conceded only two goals in six qualifying matches.

• Switzerland did not lose a single match in 2026 World Cup qualifying.

• Switzerland reached the knockout stage at the last three World Cups.

Probable line-up (4-2-3-1): Gregor Kobel - Silvan Widmer, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez - Remo Freuler, Granit Xhaka - Ruben Vargas, Fabian Rieder, Dan Ndoye - Cedric Itten.

Absentees: Yann Sommer, Xherdan Shaqiri and Fabian Schar have retired from international football. Breel Embolo is a doubt (visa problems).