Qatar vs Switzerland – Predicted lineup and team news

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The Football Faithful

·13 June 2026

Qatar vs Switzerland – Predicted lineup and team news

Qatar face Switzerland at Levi’s Stadium on Saturday afternoon, aiming to prove their footballing growth on the global stage.

This match represents the first time the Maroons have earned World Cup qualification through sporting merit, having previously participated automatically as 2022 hosts. Julen Lopetegui wants his side to maintain defensive discipline without becoming overly passive.

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The Asian champions have a point to prove after losing all three games in their previous tournament appearance. Tactical focus will centre on containing the technically superior Swiss midfield. Qatar hope to replicate their famous 1-0 friendly victory over Switzerland from 2018.

Qatar team news

Lopetegui has a completely healthy squad to choose from for this monumental opening fixture. The manager looks prepared to deploy a balanced 4-3-3 formation to absorb pressure and counter quickly.

Mahmud Abunada will start in goal, protected by the experienced central pairing of Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel. Ayoub Al-Oui faces a demanding defensive assignment at right-back, while Homam Ahmed will provide energetic overlapping runs from the left-back slot.

Ahmed Fathy will anchor the midfield in a deep-lying defensive role to break up Swiss passing lines. Issa Laye and Jassem Gaber will flank him to complete a hardworking central trio. Up front, Yusuf Abdurisag will look to stretch the opposition backline from the right wing.

Lethal forward Akram Afif will spearhead the attack, although he has the tactical freedom to drift wide. Afif was sensational in qualifying, racking up 15 goal involvements. Edmilson Junior will provide direct running and raw pace from the left flank.

Qatar predicted lineup

Qatar predicted XI: Abunada; Al-Oui, Khoukhi, Pedro Miguel, Ahmed; Laye, Fathi, Gaber; Abdurisag, Afif, Edmilson.

When will the match kick off?

The FIFA World Cup group match at Levi’s Stadium kicks off at 20:00 BST on Saturday, 13 June 2026.

How to watch Qatar vs Switzerland?

In the United Kingdom, this Group B opening match will be broadcast live on television via ITV1. Football fans in the United States can stream or watch the full match live through Fox.