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Qatar will look for their first-ever win in FIFA World Cup history when they take on Switzerland in their Group B match at the San Francisco Bay Arena Stadium in California on Saturday.
Qatar, the hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, had finished fourth in their group of that edition, ending the tournament without a single win, or even a single point. This is just their second FIFA World Cup appearance.
Switzerland, on the other hand, have made 13 appearances in the FIFA World Cup so far, with their best finish coming in the quarterfinals of 1934, 1938 and 1950 editions. Since 2006, Switzerland qualified for every edition of the FIFA World Cup, and reached round of 16 in four of last five editions.
Qatar vs Switzerland match details
| Date | June 14 (in IST) |
| Kick-Off time | 12.30 AM IST |
| Stadium | San Francisco Bay Arena Stadium, California |
| Referee | Said Martinez (Honduras) |
Qatar vs Switzerland team news
Qatar: Qatar do not have any injury worries ahead of the match against Switzerland. Akram Afif will be Qatar's attacking threat and he will lead the front three that will consist of himself, Yusuf Abdurisag and Edmilson Junior. The experienced Boualem Khoukhi will lead Qatar's defensive line, whereas captain Hassan Al-Haydos will also be a key figure.
Another exciting talent in the Qatar squad is that of Tahsin Jamshid, who is the Indian-origin player from Kerala to take part in the FIFA World Cup.
Switzerland: Like Qatar, Switzerland too don't have any injury concerns. Captain Granit Xhaka will be playing his fourth World Cup, and will be hoping to take his team to the semi-finals at least.
Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi will lead Switzerland's defensive line whereas Remo Freuler provides balance within the squad. Forward Breel Embolo will be raring to go and will be hoping to start the tournament with a goal or two.
Qatar vs Switzerland head-to-head
Qatar and Switzerland have only locked horns in international football only once in an international friendly in November 2018 in Lugano. Qatar won the match 1-0 on the back of an 86th-minute goal from Akram Afif.
| Qatar won | 1 |
| Switzerland won | 0 |
| Draws | 0 |
| Last meeting | Qatar beat Switzerland 1-0 in a friendly in November 2018 |
| Last FIFA World Cup meeting | Haven't faced off in FIFA World Cup before |
Qatar vs Switzerland match strategy
Qatar: Qatar are expected to adopt a compact and disciplined approach, defending in numbers. They will also look to keep the space between midfield and defence very tight.
They will, however, be comfortable in allowing more of the ball possession to Switzerland as far as they can protect the central areas and force attacks into less dangerous positions.
Switzerland: Switzerland are likely to play a controlled, possession-based game built around Granit Xhaka's ability to dictate the tempo from midfield. Switzerland will look to hold possession of the ball for long durations, and create openings through their full-backs and wide attackers.
Qatar vs Switzerland match prediction
I asked ChatGPT who could win the Group B match between Qatar and Switzerland. The AI predicts Switzerland to beat Qatar 2-0 and the reason for that is they arrive into the World Cup with a more experienced squad, greater depth and also have a stronger defence and midfield.
The AI also expects Switzerland to dominate possession, control the tempo through Xhaka and eventually create chances to break down Qatar's defence.
Qatar vs Switzerland possible lineups
Qatar: Ayoub Al-Oui, Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Homam Ahmed; Jassem Gaber, Ahmed Fathi, Mostafa Meshaal Laye; Yusuf Abdurisag, Akram Afif, Edmilson Junior.
Switzerland: Gregor Kobel; Silvan Widmer, Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, Ricardo Rodríguez; Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler; Dan Ndoye, Michel Aebischer, Ruben Vargas; Breel Embolo.
Where to watch Qatar vs Switzerland in India?
ZEE5 has secured the broadcast deal for the FIFA World Cup 2026 for Indian audience. The Qatar vs Switzerland Group B clash will be telecast live on Unite8 Sports 2, Unite8 Sports 2 HD (both English) and Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD (both Hindi) channels. Live streaming of Qatar vs Switzerland is available on ZEE5 app and website.
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