THE opening four games have provided plenty of drama and talking points, and now we’ve got a bumper four-game matchday to enjoy.
Up first we’ve got 2022 tournament hosts Qatar, looking for their first World Cup win, taking on Switzerland at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.
Switzerland finished top of their qualifying group with four wins and two defeats to reach a sixth straight World Cup.
The Swiss have never got past the quarter-finals at the World Cup, last reaching that stage on home soil in 1954. Since then, their adventures have typically ended in the last 16, as was the case in 2022 in Doha when they lost 6-1 to Portugal.
Qatar will be looking to make a better fist of their second World Cup than they did on their debut as hosts four years ago. They lost all three matches – conceding seven and scoring one – and were eliminated from their own World Cup after just two matches.
In reaching this tournament, they actually lost more matches (five) than any other Asian qualifier for the World Cup. After initially missing out on an automatic qualification spot, they topped their mini group in the fourth round of qualifiers.
Eight years later than planned, Qatar boss Julen Lopetegui will finally manage a match at a World Cup.
The Spaniard was Spain boss heading into the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but was sacked days before the tournament began.
The Spanish FA were not happy that Lopetegui had agreed to become Real Madrid manager once the tournament finished, so replaced him with Fernando Hierro.
Lopetegui became Qatar boss in May 2025 after short-lived spells in the Premier League with Wolves and then West Ham. Things aren’t going too well for him in Doha – Qatar have won just twice in 13 games under his tutelage.
ANALYSIS:
He may be 33 now, but Granit Xhaka remains Switzerland’s most important player. The captain is his country’s record appearance maker and is likely playing at his final World Cup.
Xhaka comes into the tournament after an excellent season at Sunderland, whom he captained to Europa League qualification. Before that the former Arsenal midfielder spent two seasons with Bayer Leverkusen, where he played a key role in a domestic double.
Qatar’s preparations for the World Cup have been far from ideal, with the US-Israel war on Iran forcing the postponement of friendlies against Serbia and Argentina.
They have only played two matches this year, losing 1-0 to Ireland in a friendly and drawing 0-0 with El Salvador in their most recent warm-up game.
Switzerland drew 1-1 with Australia in their final World Cup warm-up match.
Switzerland will cause a lot of teams problems at this tournament – some of the big teams as well.
They’ve got experience, know-how and a fantastic captain who’s coming off a great season.
Mohammed Muntari scored Qatar’s only goal at their home World Cup in 2022, but Almoez Ali and Akram Afif will be looking to score their first goals at the 2026 edition.
Akram Afif inspired Qatar to win back-to-back Asian Cups in 2019 and 2023, providing 10 assists during the former before scoring eight in the latter, including a hat-trick in the final.
He’ll be keen to make up for a disappointing 2022 World Cup.
Almoez Ali scored 12 goals in qualifying, surpassed only by 16 from Norway’s Erling Haaland. He is Qatar’s record scorer with 60 goals for his country, with a ratio of almost a goal every other game.
Ali starts today’s match on the bench.
PREDICTIONS:
Sadiq’s Prediction: This could be a more open contest if Qatar decide to attack rather than sit deep. The Maroons showed resilience in qualifying, edging the UAE and drawing with Oman when it mattered most, but Switzerland possess greater quality throughout the pitch.
The Swiss topped their qualifying group unbeaten and have a long history as serial World Cup participants, making this their 12th appearance. Their midfield, led by Xhaka and supported by the returning Denis Zakaria, has the physicality and technical quality to dominate possession.
Qatar may find a goal through Afif’s creativity, especially against a Swiss side that occasionally allows space when pushing forward. However, Switzerland’s superior structure and tournament experience should eventually tell.
My Prediction: Qatar 1 Switzerland 3
Peter’s Prediction: Tournament openers can often be tense affairs, and Switzerland may be content with a professional rather than spectacular victory. The Swiss defence has been their strongest asset, while Qatar’s preparations were disrupted by cancelled friendlies against Serbia and Argentina due to regional tensions.
Lopetegui would have preferred more preparation time with his squad after taking charge only in May 2025. The absence of top Asian qualifying scorer Almoez Ali from the starting line-up could also reduce Qatar’s attacking threat.
Expect Switzerland to rely on patience, control possession, and eventually break through via a set-piece or moment of quality before shutting the game down.
My Prediction: Qatar 0 Switzerland 1
Gbenga’s Prediction: If there is an upset result in this fixture, a draw looks more likely than a Qatar victory. Qatar have shown in the past, particularly as hosts in 2022 and as Asian champions, that they can compete when underestimated.
Afif remains one of Asia’s most dangerous forwards and could exploit any lapse in concentration. Switzerland, meanwhile, may find it difficult to break down a compact Qatari defence if Lopetegui sets his side up to frustrate and counterattack.
The Swiss have greater pedigree and a stronger record, but World Cup pressure can sometimes level the playing field. Qatar’s familiarity with tournament football and Switzerland’s occasional lack of cutting edge in attack could result in a share of the spoils.
My Prediction: Qatar 1 Switzerland 1
Gloria’s Prediction: Switzerland enter this World Cup opener as clear favourites and have the defensive record to justify that tag. The Swiss are sticking with the same backline that started all six qualifiers and conceded only two goals, underlining their organisation and discipline.
The experience of captain Granit Xhaka and veteran defender Ricardo Rodriguez, both set for a record 13th World Cup appearance, should prove crucial in controlling the tempo and managing pressure situations.
Qatar, meanwhile, struggled for consistency under Julen Lopetegui, winning only one of their first 11 matches under the Spaniard before their warm-up games. While Akram Afif remains a major attacking threat, Switzerland’s well-drilled defence should be capable of containing him.
My Prediction: Qatar 0 Switzerland 2
PREVIOUS MATCHES RECAP
Match Recap: USA 4–1 Paraguay
The United States launched their FIFA World Cup campaign in spectacular fashion with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles, as former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun scored twice to inspire the co-hosts to an assured and memorable start. Backed by a passionate home crowd, Mauricio Pochettino’s side produced an attacking display that immediately underlined their ambitions in the tournament.
The victory was historic for several reasons. Balogun became only the second American player to score more than once in a World Cup match, joining Bert Patenaude, who recorded the tournament’s first-ever hat-trick during the inaugural World Cup in 1930—also against Paraguay. The result also equalled the United States’ biggest World Cup victory, matching their 3-0 wins over Paraguay and Belgium in 1930 when they went on to finish third.
The hosts wasted little time asserting themselves. Just seven minutes into the Group D opener, they took the lead through an own goal by Paraguay defender Damian Bobadilla. While Bobadilla was credited with the unfortunate touch, the move was crafted brilliantly by Christian Pulisic, who burst between two defenders before finding Weston McKennie. The midfielder’s dangerous cutback forced the error that put the United States ahead.
The Americans continued to dominate possession and territory, believing they had doubled their advantage in the 28th minute when Balogun found the net. However, the goal was ruled out for offside. The setback proved only temporary. Three minutes later, Pulisic again turned provider, delivering a precise pass that Balogun emphatically converted to give the hosts a deserved two-goal cushion.
Balogun’s influence continued to grow as the match progressed. The Monaco forward struck again before the interval, latching onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Malik Tillman. Showing composure and strength, he shrugged off a challenge from Sunderland defender Omar Alderete before curling a superb finish beyond goalkeeper Orlando Gill and into the top corner. It was a moment of quality that effectively placed the United States firmly in control.
Paraguay briefly threatened a comeback after the restart despite the Americans maintaining their attacking pressure. Against the run of play, Brazilian-born forward Mauricio pulled one back after being slipped through by former Brighton attacker Julio Enciso. Mauricio kept his composure and slotted past goalkeeper Matt Freese, giving Paraguay a glimmer of hope and momentarily changing the atmosphere inside the stadium.
Any thoughts of a Paraguay revival were eventually extinguished by the Americans, who continued to push forward. Their dominance was rewarded in spectacular fashion with the final kick of the game when substitute Giovanni Reyna produced the goal of the night. The midfielder curled a stunning 20-yard effort home with the outside of his right foot, sealing a comprehensive 4-1 victory and sending the home supporters into celebration.
Beyond the result, the night belonged to Balogun. Born in New York before moving to London as a child, the striker emerged through Arsenal’s academy but struggled for first-team opportunities, making only two Premier League appearances before loan spells at Middlesbrough and Reims helped unlock his potential. His 21-goal Ligue 1 campaign in 2022-23 earned a £35 million move to Monaco, while that same year he committed his international future to the United States after representing England at youth levels up to the Under-21s.
Having ended the 2025-26 season with nine goals in 13 league matches for Monaco, Balogun carried that form onto football’s biggest stage, delivering a performance that not only etched his name into American football history but also demonstrated that he possesses the quality, confidence and finishing ability to spearhead the United States’ World Cup challenge.
Match Recap: Canada 1–1 Bosnia
Canada began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought and historic 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto, as substitute Cyle Larin came off the bench to rescue a valuable point for the co-hosts. In a thrilling and entertaining Group B encounter, Jesse Marsch’s side showed determination and character to recover from a goal down and avoid defeat in the World Cup finals for the first time in their history.
The packed Toronto Stadium provided a vibrant backdrop, with Canadian supporters dressed in red and Bosnia-Herzegovina fans in blue creating a superb atmosphere. Following a rendition of the Canadian national anthem by Alanis Morissette, the crowd was treated to an open and attacking contest. Canada entered the match hoping to emulate fellow co-hosts Mexico, who had opened the tournament with a 2-0 victory over South Africa, but they found themselves chasing the game after Bosnia struck first.
Bosnia-Herzegovina, who booked their place at the World Cup through dramatic qualifying play-off victories over Wales and Italy on penalties, took the lead in the 21st minute. Jovo Lukic scored his first international goal when he rose to head home after former Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac flicked on an Ivan Basic corner. The goal rewarded Bosnia’s disciplined approach and handed them a valuable advantage against the hosts.
Canada responded positively and created several chances in search of an equaliser. Jonathan David, Tani Oluwaseyi and Stephen Eustaquio all failed to make the most of promising opportunities, while Bosnia’s defence repeatedly came to the rescue. Early in the second half, Richie Laryea looked certain to score only for Kolasinac to produce a remarkable goal-line clearance, diverting the ball onto the crossbar and away from danger.
As the pressure intensified, the hosts continued to push forward. Another golden opportunity arrived when Oluwaseyi’s powerful header appeared destined for the net, but Nikola Katic produced another crucial clearance off the line. Canada’s persistence, however, was eventually rewarded after Marsch turned to his bench in search of inspiration. The manager’s attacking substitutions proved decisive as Southampton striker Cyle Larin made an immediate impact.
Having been on the pitch for just 121 seconds, Larin superbly spun away from Tarik Muharemovic before firing a shot past goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, aided by a slight deflection, to level the score in the 78th minute. The goal secured Canada’s first-ever World Cup draw after defeats in all three matches at the 1986 tournament and another three losses in 2022.
While the hosts may have hoped for all three points, the comeback ensured a positive start to their campaign and leaves them firmly in contention in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most competitive groups. With matches against Qatar on 18 June and Switzerland on 24 June still to come, Canada will believe their chances of reaching the knockout stages remain very much alive.