World Cup 2026: Qatar vs Switzerland Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Qatar and Switzerland meet at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on Saturday 13 June, with kickoff at 21:00 CAT. Akram Afif leads as Qatar's main creative threat, but Murat Yakin's Switzerland arrive as overwhelming favourites with captain Granit Xhaka heading a vastly more experienced side. The market makes Switzerland heavy favourites and I see little reason to disagree. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Qatar

In my opinion, Qatar are clear underdogs and Lopetegui will set them up to defend in numbers in a compact 4-2-3-1, with Akram Afif as the main creative outlet behind central striker Almoez Ali. Their best chance lies in keeping the game tight early on and getting Afif on the ball in the half-spaces, where his quality showed during AFC qualifying with eleven assists. Meshaal Barsham in goal is a reliable shot-stopper and they will need him in form. The squad is healthy with no major injury concerns, but the technical gap to Switzerland is significant.

Predicted Lineup: Barsham; Pedro Miguel, Khoukhi, Mendes, Hassan; Madibo, Fathi; Boudiaf, Afif, Al-Haydos; Ali.

Switzerland

Switzerland have one of the most experienced squads in this tournament, with Granit Xhaka captaining and Manuel Akanji marshalling the defence. Murat Yakin will likely deploy a 4-3-3 formation with Embolo leading the line and Vargas and Ndoye providing width and direction. Xhaka, Freuler and Sow give the midfield real control and Akanjis pace at the back makes them very hard to break through. The squad is in good shape with no significant absentees. I expect Switzerland to dominate possession, work patiently into the final third, and create plenty of chances.

Predicted Lineup: Kobel; Widmer, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka, Sow; Ndoye, Embolo, Vargas.

Switzerland have the experience, technical quality and game management to win this comfortably. Qatar will defend deep and try to make life difficult, but it will be hard for them to keep Switzerland out for long. I expect the favourites to break through before half-time and add a second after the interval. My forecast: Qatar 0 Switzerland 2.

BTTS: No at 1.60

I am backing Both Teams to Score: No, my reasoning being that Qatar simply do not have the attacking quality to break Switzerland down. Akram Afif is the only real creative outlet and the Swiss back four which includes Akanji, Elvedi and Rodriguez has the experience to shut down a single threat. Switzerland will dominate possession and concede few clear chances, in keeping with my 0-2 forecast. At 1.60 from Betway, BTTS: No is the best value among the markets we have priced.