Preview: Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina | latest news, line-ups, absences (18/06/2026)
Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line-ups and where to watch Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B at the 2026 World Cup
Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina meet in Los Angeles on Thursday night with Group B still wide open after a first round of matches that left all four teams level on one point.
Switzerland were frustrated by Qatar in Santa Clara, while Bosnia and Herzegovina took a valuable draw against co-hosts Canada in Toronto.
The match kicks off at 20:00 BST at SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles Stadium) in Inglewood, and it already feels like a key game in the battle to reach the Round of 32. With Canada and Qatar also meeting later the same day, the group could look very different by the end of Thursday night.
For Switzerland, this is a chance to correct the damage from their opening draw. Murat Yakin’s side had enough chances to cruise past Qatar but were punished late in the game, dropping two points.
Meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina will look to build on the Canada result, stay compact, and show they can compete with one of Europe’s most consistent tournament teams.
Latest news: absences, form, team news
Switzerland began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Qatar. Breel Embolo scored from the penalty spot, but the Swiss failed to make their dominance count and conceded deep into stoppage time after Boualem Khoukhi’s header deflected in off Miro Muheim.
Bosnia and Herzegovina also opened with a 1-1 draw, taking a point against Canada in Toronto. Sergej Barbarez’s side are appearing at their first World Cup since 2014 and will feel that a second positive result would leave them with a real chance of progressing before their final group match against Qatar.
Switzerland
Yakin has no major fresh injury crisis, but he may consider changes after Switzerland’s failure to finish Qatar off. Gregor Kobel is expected to continue in goal, with Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi and Ricardo Rodríguez likely to form the defensive core. Granit Xhaka remains the key figure in midfield, supported by Remo Freuler and Denis Zakaria. Further forward, Dan Ndoye, Ruben Vargas and Embolo give Switzerland pace, physicality and directness, though Yakin may look for more efficiency in the final third.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Edin Džeko was an unused substitute in Bosnia’s opener against Canada, but national team coach Faruk Hadžibegić stressed that his player will be available for selection against Switzerland, meaning that dropping him might have been a tactical decision rather than an injury concern. Meanwhile, Haris Tabaković has returned to training with the team after recovering from an ankle injury.
You can stay up to date with the latest World Cup 2026 betting coverage, team news and tournament analysis throughout the competition to help refine those last-minute decisions.
Teams H2H: Head-to-head stats
These two teams have met once before at senior level, with Bosnia and Herzegovina winning that friendly 2-0 in Zurich in 2016. This will be their first-ever meeting in an international competition.
Previous meetings:
- 29/03/2016: Switzerland 0-2 Bosnia and Herzegovina (International friendly)
Predicted line-ups
Switzerland are expected to keep their back three, although Yakin could adjust the midfield balance after the Qatar draw. Bosnia and Herzegovina are likely to stay compact and use Džeko and Demirović as their main attacking outlets.
Tactical analysis: Can Bosnia stop Xhaka controlling the game?
Switzerland’s structure gives Xhaka the platform to dictate tempo, switch play and bring the wing-backs into advanced areas. Against Qatar, they created enough pressure but lacked the finishing touch to kill the game. Bosnia’s priority will be denying Switzerland easy rhythm. If Tahirović and Bašić can stay close to Xhaka and Freuler, Bosnia can force Switzerland wide and make the game more predictable.
Key players to watch
Breel Embolo (Switzerland)
Embolo scored Switzerland’s goal against Qatar and gives Yakin’s side a reliable focal point. His power, movement and ability to attack crosses make him the obvious danger man in the box.
The big forward always seems to turn up at major tournaments and, in a must-win game for Switzerland, we’re predicting Embolo to score the first goal of the game.
Ermedin Demirović (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Demirović gives Bosnia the running power Džeko no longer provides. His ability to attack space and link midfield to attack could be crucial if Bosnia spend long periods without possession.
As a forward who never lets the defenders and goalkeeper settle on the ball, Demirović often runs himself into trouble with the referee. While he remains a goal threat, the odds on him getting a yellow card are too good to ignore.
Where to watch Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UK and Ireland
Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina kicks off at 20:00 BST on Thursday, 18 June 2026 at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California. In the United Kingdom, the match will be shown live on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player.
In the Republic of Ireland, the match will be available through RTÉ’s World Cup coverage and RTÉ Player.
Market insights and probability predictions
Switzerland are predicted to win against Bosnia, despite dropping points in their tournament opener against Qatar. Current markets broadly make them around a 55% to 60% chance to win, with Bosnia and Herzegovina closer to 18% to 22% and the draw around 24% to 27%.
The goals market points towards a relatively tight match. Switzerland should control territory, but Bosnia’s compact shape and Džeko’s ability to slow the game down could keep the scoreline close. Under 2.5 goals looks a strong possibility if Bosnia avoid conceding early.
Switzerland need a response after failing to beat Qatar, and their midfield control should give them the platform to dominate long spells. Bosnia and Herzegovina have enough experience and attacking quality to make it uncomfortable, but Switzerland’s balance and greater depth should eventually tell. It should be noted that the winner of this game would all but secure a spot in the Round of 32.
