Dan Ndoye has scored in four of his last five games for Switzerland
Qatar's last win came in October
Recommended Bet: Back Dan Ndoye to score at anytime @ 2/1
Switzerland embark on their sixth consecutive World Cup campaign on Sunday with a relatively straightforward Group B opener against Qatar.
Murat Yakin’s side qualified without the need for a play-off and have chalked up some good performances in preparation for this first game, including a 4-1 home win over Jordan.
Qatar, meanwhile, have struggled to click under Julen Lopetegui of late. A 0-0 draw with El Salvador in their final warm-up match means they have not managed a win in eight months and have failed score a goal in four of their last five matches.
This clash in Santa Clara could shape a group that also contains co-hosts Canada and second-time qualifiers Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The latest Qatar vs Switzerland odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Portuguese-born defender Pedro Miguel is set to make his 100th appearance for Qatar in an experienced line-up also featuring cap centurions Boualem Khoukhi and Akram Afif.
Afif drifts off the left and operates between the lines as the primary creative outlet, while full-backs Sultan Al-Brake and Homam Ahmed offer width.
In midfield, a double pivot of Karim Boudiaf and Abdulaziz Hatem screens the back four with Miguel and Khouki at the heart, in font of young goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada.
As for the Swiss, Gregor Kobel is the first-choice keeper and is set to line up behind a three-man defence comprising Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akalnji and Denis Zakaria.
Granit Xhaka continues to anchor the midfield alongside Remo Freuler, with Fabian Rieder and Dan Ndoye in the wide positions.
Breel Embolo is set to lead the line with Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas offering creativity and goal threat from wide areas.
With no major injury concerns, Yakin is expected to field a strong XI for this opening match.
The stats
Qatar beat Switzerland 1-0 in Lugano in their only previous meeting in 2018.
Afif scored the winner that day, one of his 39 international goals from 125 appearances.
Qatar have failed to score in four of their last five matches.
Switzerland have won eight and lost only one of their 14 competitive fixtures since the start of 2025.
Ndoye has scored in four of his last five games for Switzerland.
The latest Qatar vs Switzerland odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Switzerland could do some damage later in this World Cup, but they must first dispatch the weakest nation in their group.
Last month’s 4-1 warm-up win over Jordan gives them a blueprint, but it is likely to be tougher in the summer heat of Santa Clara.
Qatar should adapt quickly to the conditions and have enough quality on the ball to avoid being overrun.
However, Switzerland’s pace in transition and the precision of Xhaka’s passing in midfield should open them up enough times for the goals to flow.
Ndoye’s scoring record for his country is outstanding and he looks like the clear candidate to get on the scoresheet again.
He rounded off a swift counter-attack against Jordan and tucked away a chance after a defence-splitting pass against Australia in his last two national team games.
Score prediction: Qatar 0-3 Switzerland
Back Dan Ndoye to score at Anytime at 2/1 with LiveScore Bet
Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Date | 13 Jun 2026 |
Referee | Said Martinez (Honduras) |
Stadium | Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara) |
TV Channel | ITV 1 |
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