Switzerland will look to secure their first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they face Bosnia and Herzegovina in a crucial Group B clash at SoFi Stadium on Thursday.
After both teams opened their campaigns with draws, victory could prove decisive in the battle for qualification to the knockout rounds.
Murat Yakin’s side were left frustrated in their opening match after surrendering a late lead in a 1-1 draw against Qatar. Switzerland appeared in control for long periods and looked set to claim all three points after Breel Embolo found the net, only for a late equaliser to deny them victory.
Despite the setback, Switzerland remain one of the strongest teams in the group and will be confident of bouncing back. With experience throughout the squad and no major injury concerns, they are expected to field a largely unchanged lineup.
Bosnia and Herzegovina also began their World Cup campaign with a draw, earning a respectable 1-1 result against Canada. Jovo Lukic’s first-half goal put the Dragons in front before Canada fought back to rescue a point.
The Bosnians showed plenty of determination and defensive discipline in that match, qualities they will need again against a technically gifted Swiss side.
However, Bosnia head into this contest with concerns over the fitness of experienced defender Sead Kolasinac, who was forced off during the draw with Canada. Meanwhile, Nidal Celik has already been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament through injury.
Switzerland know that another dropped result could complicate their path to the last 16, while Bosnia understand that a positive outcome would significantly boost their qualification hopes.
With both teams eager to register their first victory of the tournament, fans can expect an intense and competitive encounter in Los Angeles.
Match Details
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group B, Matchday 2
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
Date: June 18, 2026
Kick-off: 21:00 CEST
Referee: João Pinheiro
VAR: Dennis Higler
Predicted Switzerland Lineup
Gregor Kobel; Denis Zakaria, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez; Michel Aebischer, Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler; Dan Ndoye, Breel Embolo, Manzambi.
Predicted Bosnia and Herzegovina Lineup
Nikola Vasilj; Amar Dedic, Nikola Katic, Tarik Muharemovic, Sead Kolasinac; Esmir Bajraktarevic, Benjamin Tahirovic, Ivan Basic, Alajbegovic; Ermedin Demirovic, Jovo Lukic.
Prediction
Switzerland have the stronger squad, greater tournament experience and looked impressive for long stretches against Qatar. Bosnia are organised and dangerous on the counterattack, but the Swiss should have enough quality to edge this contest.
Predicted Score: Switzerland 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina