Switzerland
Bosnia
Group B's most pivotal fixture takes place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where a frustrated Switzerland — robbed of a deserved win against Qatar by a last-gasp own goal — face a Bosnia and Herzegovina side who held co-hosts Canada to a 1-1 draw in a performance full of fighting spirit. Both sides have a point, both want three. But the tension is different: Switzerland feel they should already be top of the group, while Bosnia arrive with growing confidence that they can cause a proper upset here.
Switzerland — La Nati
Murat Yakin makes one notable change from the Qatar draw, restoring Widmer to his natural right-back position — Zakaria started there against Qatar but was criticised for not crossing into the box and losing positional sense as the game progressed. Widmer's delivery and technical quality make him the obvious choice. The back four of Rodriguez, Akanji, Elvedi and Widmer is familiar and reliable.
In midfield, Aebischer gets the nod — rapidly emerging as one of Yakin's most trusted players, capable of operating as a central midfielder, full-back or winger — alongside captain Granit Xhaka and Freuler. That midfield three is technically excellent and should control large portions of this match. Up front, Ndoye and Vargas flank Breel Embolo — Embolo who was denied what appeared a legitimate penalty against Qatar and who will be hungry to put that frustration into a productive performance here. Yakin opted for Embolo's all-round threat over Amdouni's sharper finishing, and with Bosnia expected to be physical and compact, Embolo's ability to hold the ball and bring others in could be just as important as pure goalscoring.
Switzerland dominated Qatar — 23 shots, xG of 3.20 to 0.60 — and were done by a freak own goal. The performance was genuinely impressive. Against Bosnia, the challenge is different: Džeko and Demirović are a far more dangerous front two than anything Qatar offered, and Switzerland's defence will be tested in ways it wasn't in game one.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Several selection battles have resolved themselves since the Canada draw. The lineup shows Kolasinac retaining his place at left back despite injury concerns — a significant call, suggesting he has recovered sufficiently. Katic edges out Hadžikadunić at centre-back alongside Muharemović, who has been increasingly impressive. Dedić starts on the right.
In midfield, Basic — who was excellent as a substitute against Canada — comes in, with Tahirović and Bajraktarević completing a four that offers both industry and quality. Sunjić is back from injury but not ready to start. The notable decision up front is to start Lukić alongside Demirović rather than risk Džeko, who is expected to be fit enough for around 30 minutes off the bench. Lukić was superb against Canada — winning headers, holding the ball and scoring the opener. It is a bold decision by the coaching staff to leave a player of Džeko's quality on the bench, but Lukić earned it.
Bosnia drew with Canada and only conceded through a substitute in the 78th minute. Their defensive shape was solid, their set-piece delivery dangerous, and Demirović showed real quality throughout. They will not be overawed here — and with Džeko as a game-changing weapon off the bench, they carry a late-game threat that Switzerland must account for throughout.
Predicted Lineups
Key Battle
Granit Xhaka vs Tahirović and Basic. Xhaka is the controlling force of this Switzerland side — he sets the tempo, picks the passes and provides the set-piece delivery that creates chances. Bosnia's central midfield pairing of Tahirović and Basic will look to close him down quickly, deny him time on the ball and force Switzerland wide. If Xhaka can find space to operate, Switzerland's attacking quality should eventually tell. If Bosnia's midfield can be as physically combative as they were against Canada, this could be a far more difficult evening for La Nati than the Qatar game suggested.
Prediction
Switzerland are the better team and the likely winners, but this is not straightforward. Bosnia have Džeko to bring on, Demirović is in good form, and their defensive shape is organised. Expect Switzerland to dominate possession but find Bosnia hard to break down — before quality eventually tells in the second half, with Džeko potentially making his influence felt late.
Switzerland 2–1 Bosnia and Herzegovina — Embolo, Ndoye — Demirović
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