Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina will both look to turn their opening draws into momentum when they meet in a crucial World Cup Group B match at the Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday.
With all four teams in the group level on one point after a 1-1 draw in the opening round, the afternoon kick-off could go a long way in shaping a section that remains finely balanced before the final matches. Switzerland were on course for a victory over underdogs Qatar on Saturday after Breel Embolo converted an early penalty.
But the Swiss were caught flat-footed in the final moments and conceded an own goal in stoppage time, depriving Murat Yakin’s side of all three points and leaving the group favorites with a draw that felt more like a defeat. Bosnia faced similar frustrations in Toronto, where Jovo Lukic put them ahead against Canada in the 21st minute. But they struggled to create chances afterwards and conceded a goal in the second half in a 1-1 draw.
Good result for Bosnia
Taking a point from the co-hosts in their own backyard was still a good result for the Dragons, who can take firm control of the group if they beat the Swiss since facing Qatar in the last match.
All four teams are tied on identical records: one goal scored, one goal conceded and one point each.
For Switzerland, the challenge will be to reaffirm the tournament history that has made the country a reliable group player. The Swiss have lost just one of their last eight World Cup group matches, winning four and drawing three, and have scored in the finals in nine of their last 10 group matches.
Yakin’s side have also been beaten just once in their last 15 international matches, a run that has included eight wins and six draws, although the late defeat to Qatar will have sharpened the focus on match management.
Bosnia, meanwhile, arrives for good reason as the country continues in only its second World Cup campaign. Sergej Barbarez’s side are unbeaten in nine international matches, although six consecutive draws underline both their resilience and their need to find an edge.
History offers Bosnia a small psychological advantage. The teams have met only once before: a 2-0 friendly win for Bosnia in Zurich in 2016.
Published on June 18, 2026
