Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina projected lineups, starting 11 for World Cup 2026 Group B game at SoFi Stadium

Switzerland face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday in the second round of Group B matches.

The Swiss were held to a surprise draw by Qatar in their opening World Cup 2026 match despite largely dominating proceedings in Santa Clara. Bosnia also played out a 1-1 draw in their opener, frustrating co-hosts Canada.

With all four teams on one point in a finely poised group, this game could have a big say on who finishes in the top two, and who will have to put their focus on claiming one of the spots in the Round of 32 that go to the eight best third-place sides.

Here is how we expect the teams to line up.

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Switzerland projected starting 11

(3-4-3, right to left): 1. G. Kobel (GK) — 6. D. Zakaria, 5. M. Akanji, 4. N. Elvedi — 20. M. Aebischer, 8. R. Freuler, 10. G. Xhaka, 13. R. Rodriguez — 17. R. Vargas, 7. B. Embolo, 11. D. Ndoye

• Injured: None 
• Suspended: None

Despite the disappointment of the draw with Qatar, it seems unlikely Murat Yakin will make wholesale changes for this second game.

Switzerland had 70% of the possession and 27 shots in their opening match, so it's reasonable to say they played well enough to win the game and simply needed to be more clinical. To that end, the system is likely to stay the same and the starting 11 could be unchanged, although there is a chance Noah Okafor could come into the attack.

Ardon Jashari is an option to freshen up midfield in place of Remo Freuler, who is now 34 and coming off a 40-game season with Bologna.

Bosnia and Herzegovina projected starting 11

(4-4-2, right to left): 1. N. Vasilj (GK) — 7. A. Dedic, 18. N. Katic, 4. T Muharemovic, 5. S. Kolasinac — 20. E. Bajraktarevic, 13. I. Basic, 6. B. Tahirovic, 15. A. Memic — 10. E. Demirovic, 11. E. Dzeko

• Injured: E. Dzeko (doubt), S. Kolasinac (doubt)
• Suspended: 

Edin Dzeko will hope to be fit enough to start after sitting out the draw with Canada. Otherwise, expect Bosnia and Herzegovina to stick with the same lineup.

Sead Kolasinac sustained a knock in the closing stages of that opening game, but the defender is likely to be available.

Kerim Alajbegovic will hope for more minutes after only coming on for the final quarter of the Canada match.

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Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina World Cup rosters

Here are the names on Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina's World Cup rosters. All caps and stats are correct as of the date of their announcement in May 2026.

Switzerland World Cup roster

Head coach: Murat Yakin

Bosnia and Herzegovina World Cup squad

Head coach: Sergej Barbarez

Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina predictions, betting odds

The fact both teams drew their opener makes this a difficult game to call. Avoiding defeat could well end up becoming more valuable to these sides than actually going out and winning, which could make for a contest of few chances.

That said, there is arguably greater pressure on Switzerland as they have a more difficult final group game on paper (they face Canada in Vancouver). That extra incentive could be enough for them to raise their game.

• Score prediction: Switzerland 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina

Where to watch Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina

In USA:

• TV channel: FS1
• Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up for a FREE trial.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Here is how to watch the match in some of the other major territories: