World Cup: Group B Preview

Bosnia and Herzegovina – A mid-level European nation led by a 40-year-old striker? It’s not Poland, it’s Bosnia and Herzegovina with the still incredible Edin Dzeko. Over twenty years after his professional debut, Dzeko still led the way for his country with 6 goals in qualifying. After finishing second in their group, Bosnia played spoilers in the playoffs as they shocked Italy to steal a spot in the World Cup. This team is gritty and despite a 12-year wait to get back to this stage, they have every right to be confident they can advance to the knockouts. Watch out for young PSV starlet, Esmir Bajraktarevic. Don’t ask me how to say his name, just know he tore Italy apart.

Player to watch: Esmir Bajraktarevic
Ceiling: Round of 16

Canada – The Canadiens qualified automatically as a host nation which limits our understanding of how they might look in competition. Their run to the semifinals in the 2024 Copa America is evidence that they won’t be afraid of the moment though. Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies is the headliner along with Juventus’s Jonathan David. This team has a high work rate and A LOT of pace. Midfielder Ismael Koné is a star in the making. Expect to see him all over the field for Les Rouges.

Player to watch: Ismael Koné
Ceiling: Quarterfinals

Qatar – Al-Annabi earned their first qualification through hosting four years ago and now they return as qualifiers through merit. They struggled in qualifying but managed to hang on and qualify in the last group stage, edging out UAE. They don’t lack individual talent despite a long road to qualification; Akram Afif had more assists in qualifying than any player in the Asian qualifying region and was probably the best performer in the competition. Likewise, their striker Almoez Ali led the competition in scoring.

Player to watch: Akram Afif
Ceiling: Round of 32

Switzerland – The 19th ranked team worldwide will see themselves as favorites in this group. The Swiss have qualified for a staggering 13 World Cups, reaching the knockouts in four of the last five tournaments. Breel Embolo packs a punch up top, and Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler lay a solid foundation in the midfield. Nottingham Forest forward Dan Ndoye should get lots of chances to take players on with so much stability behind him. Switzerland are not the highest scoring team, but they dominate with their defense. In the 2006 World Cup, they didn’t even concede a goal before losing in a penalty shootout in the Round of 16.

Player to watch: Dan Ndoye
Ceiling: Quarterfinals