The 2026 World Cup will have its Group B starting this Saturday (22) with the clash between the teams from Qatar and Switzerland. The duel, scheduled for 4pm Brasília time, will take place at the Levi’s Stadium, located in Santa Clara, in the United States. Football fans who are unable to attend will have the chance to follow all the details of the match through real-time coverage on the ge portal, which will broadcast the crucial moments of the opening round.
Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara hosts the opening match of Group B
The clash between the Qataris and the Swiss represents the kickoff for the two teams in the group stage of the World Cup. The selection of Levi’s Stadium, recognized as one of California’s iconic venues, highlights the vast geographic spread of the 2026 event, which for the first time will take place across three nations. Achieving a good result in the debut is seen as fundamental to the aspirations of both teams during the qualifying phase.
Qatar’s trajectory in World Cups and the search for affirmation
The Qatar national team is participating in its second World Cup, after being host in 2022, when it was eliminated in the group stage. The current preparation for the 2026 tournament has faced challenges, with the team recording a 1-0 defeat against Ireland and a goalless draw against El Salvador in recent friendlies. Qatar’s qualification for this championship was secured in the fourth phase of the Asian Qualifiers, after drawing with Oman and beating the United Arab Emirates.
In the Qatari squad, the presence of naturalized athletes of Brazilian origin is notable. Edmilson Junior, born in Belgium, but with roots in Itabaiana (Sergipe), has played for Qatar since 2024. Additionally, Lucas Mendes, a full-back revealed at Coritiba’s academy, chose to represent the Asian team three years ago, contributing his experience from Brazilian clubs to the international scene.
Switzerland aims to surpass its historical records in the world competition
With a significant participation in World Cups, Switzerland reaches its 13th edition of the tournament with the aim of surpassing its best performance, reaching the quarter-finals in 1934, 1938 and 1954. The European team showed consistency in the European Qualifiers, finishing at the top of Group B with four wins and two draws in duels against Kosovo, Slovenia and Sweden.
The composition of the Swiss squad includes talents who play in important leagues on the continent. Among the players tipped to be starters are Ndoye, striker from Nottingham Forest, and Akanji, defender from Manchester City, currently on loan at Inter Milan. The midfield has the vast experience of Granit Xhaka, Sunderland athlete and record holder for Switzerland, with an impressive 145 appearances for the national team.
Find out how to watch live and check out the full arbitration table
For fans who want to follow every moment of the match, live broadcasting and real-time services will be available. Furthermore, the refereeing team designated to conduct the game has already been confirmed, ensuring the integrity of the match.
- Where to watch: The live broadcast will be carried out by Cazé TV. The ge.globo portal will also offer Real Time, covering all moments of the match.
- Arbitration:
- Referee: Said Martínez (HON)
- Assistants: Walter Lopez and Christian Ramirez (HON)
- Fourth Referee: Oshane Nation (JAM)
- VAR: Caleb Wales (TTO)
Probable lineups for the two teams for the decisive clash
The technical committees of Qatar and Switzerland must select their best formations for the first round of the World Cup. The probable lineups reflect the coaches’ choices in the search for the first important points in Group B of the competition.
Probable Qatar lineup (Coach: Julen Lopetegui)
- Abunada
- Al-Oui
- Gueye Laye
- Khoukhi
- Fathi
- Homam Ahmed
- Jassem Gaber
- Lucas Mendes
- Edmilson Junior
- Afif
- Abdurisag
Probable lineup for Switzerland (Coach: Murat Yakin)
- Kobel
- Widmer
- Akanji
- Elvedi
- Ricardo Rodríguez
- Freuler
- Xhaka
- Aebischer
- Ndoye
- Amdouni
- Manzambi
