Neither Switzerland nor Bosnia and Herzegovina could hold on to their first-half leads in their respective opening fixtures at the FIFA World Cup 2026, and both sides now arrive at SoFi Stadium knowing that another dropped result could seriously damage their chances of advancing from Group B.

Two teams who need a result

Murat Yakin's Switzerland side came agonisingly close to victory against Qatar in their opener. Breel Embolo converted a penalty in the 17th minute, though the build-up sparked a VAR controversy over a potential offside that FIFA's semi-automated offside technology failed to detect. Rather than acknowledging the system's shortcomings, football's governing body brushed aside the criticism entirely.

The Swiss were far from their best — lacking the creativity, clinical edge, and attacking intent required at this level — and they were made to pay in the fourth minute of stoppage time. A combination of Boualem Khoukhi and their own Milo Muheim forced an equaliser, leaving Switzerland with a 1-1 draw and plenty to ponder.

Switzerland have progressed from the group stage at each of the past three World Cups. A fourth consecutive exit from a group many considered favourable would represent a significant underachievement.

Bosnia looking for their first World Cup win

Bosnia and Herzegovina have qualified for only one previous World Cup, departing the 2014 tournament at the group stage. Under Jovo Lukic, they showed genuine promise in their opener against Canada, taking the lead through a first-half header before Canada's Cyle Larin drew level with 12 minutes remaining in Toronto.

Conceding late was frustrating, but with Qatar still to come in the final group fixture, a point on matchday one was far from a disaster. They will need at least something from this game, however, to keep their qualification hopes firmly alive.

The two nations have met only once before — Bosnia and Herzegovina claimed a 2-0 friendly victory over Switzerland in Zurich just over eight years ago. Edin Dzeko captained the side that day and got on the scoresheet. Now 40, Dzeko did not come off the bench against Canada, but could yet play a role for his country in what may be one of his final international appearances.

Prediction

Group B remains the most difficult group at the tournament to call. With both sides unable to afford another slip, expect a tightly contested 90 minutes — but a repeat of their respective opening draws looks the most likely outcome. Switzerland 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina.