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If Group A produced two winners on its opening day, Group B went the other way entirely. Both matchday-one fixtures ended 1-1, leaving all four teams locked together on a single point. Co-hosts Canada were held by Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Qatar earned a historic point against Switzerland. Here is how the section is shaping up and what comes next.
Canada 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina: Larin to the Rescue
After a second opening ceremony of the tournament — this time a Canadian celebration featuring home-grown artists including Michael Bublé — the co-hosts took to the pitch at BMO Field still chasing a first-ever World Cup win. They were the better side for long spells, but a stubborn Bosnia made life difficult.
Despite a presentable early chance for Juventus striker Jonathan David, it was Bosnia who struck first. On 21 minutes, Jovo Lukić powered home a header to put the underdogs in front, and they held that lead deep into the second half. Canada poured forward with more possession, more corners and more attempts, but could not find a way through — Richie Laryea even saw an effort deflect off a Bosnian leg and onto the underside of the bar.
The breakthrough finally came with ten minutes left. Substitute Cyle Larin, the experienced forward who rediscovered his scoring touch in the Championship last season, spun away from his marker and finished superbly to make it 1-1. He almost won it in the dying seconds, too. The draw earned Canada a precious first point at a World Cup finals. Relive it on our Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina page.
Qatar 1-1 Switzerland: A Historic Point for the Maroons
Switzerland looked in control for much of their meeting with Qatar at Levi's Stadium. Breel Embolo put them ahead on 17 minutes from the spot — remarkably, the very first World Cup penalty Switzerland have ever been awarded, despite well over a dozen previous tournament appearances.
The Swiss created chance after chance, with Dan Ndoye, Ruben Vargas and Michel Aebischer all guilty of missing opportunities to extend the lead, while Granit Xhaka fired narrowly over after the break. They were made to pay deep into stoppage time, when a Qatari header was bundled in and officially recorded as a Switzerland own goal. Qatar will not care how it went in: after losing every game as hosts in 2022, this was their first-ever World Cup point. See the full result on our Qatar vs Switzerland page.
How Group B Looks After Matchday 1
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canada | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | Qatar | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | Switzerland | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
It does not get much tighter than this: all four teams sit on one point with identical records, so the group is completely wide open heading into the second round. Everything is still to play for, and a single win next time out would lift any of them into a commanding position.
What's Next in Group B
The second round of fixtures could blow the group wide open. Switzerland will look to bounce back when they meet Bosnia and Herzegovina at Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina, a game both sides will see as a must-win after dropping points. A day later, the co-hosts head west to face Qatar in Canada vs Qatar, with both teams chasing a first victory of the tournament. With the table this level, these matches will go a long way to deciding who progresses.
Be There for the Drama
Few groups are as finely balanced as this one, and every remaining fixture matters. Browse all available matches on our World Cup 2026 tickets page and secure your seat before the biggest games sell out.
