FIFA World Cup 2026: Granit Xhaka to Alphonso Davies, a look at best players of Group B teams
Canadian full-back Alphonso Davies and Bosnian veteran striker Edin Džeko are among the players who will be key to their respective team's chances in the tournament
This news article analyzes Group B of an unspecified tournament, highlighting the key players expected to lead Canada, Switzerland, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Qatar. For Canada, Alphonso Davies, despite recent injury concerns, is identified as their star player whose pace and influence could propel them past the group stage. Switzerland's hopes rest on the experienced Granit Xhaka, their captain, whose game control and leadership are crucial to their consistent tournament performance. Bosnia & Herzegovina relies on the enduring prowess of veteran striker Edin Džeko, their all-time leading scorer, who continues to deliver crucial goals. Finally, Qatar's prospects are centered around Akram Afif, a two-time Asian Footballer of the Year and their most decorated player, who aims to overcome their previous group stage exit.
This news article analyzes Group B of an unspecified tournament, highlighting the key players expected to lead Canada, Switzerland, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Qatar. For Canada, Alphonso Davies, despite recent injury concerns, is identified as their star player whose pace and influence could propel them past the group stage. Switzerland's hopes rest on the experienced Granit Xhaka, their captain, whose game control and leadership are crucial to their consistent tournament performance. Bosnia & Herzegovina relies on the enduring prowess of veteran striker Edin Džeko, their all-time leading scorer, who continues to deliver crucial goals. Finally, Qatar's prospects are centered around Akram Afif, a two-time Asian Footballer of the Year and their most decorated player, who aims to overcome their previous group stage exit.
This news article analyzes Group B of an unspecified tournament, highlighting the key players expected to lead Canada, Switzerland, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Qatar. For Canada, Alphonso Davies, despite recent injury concerns, is identified as their star player whose pace and influence could propel them past the group stage. Switzerland's hopes rest on the experienced Granit Xhaka, their captain, whose game control and leadership are crucial to their consistent tournament performance. Bosnia & Herzegovina relies on the enduring prowess of veteran striker Edin Džeko, their all-time leading scorer, who continues to deliver crucial goals. Finally, Qatar's prospects are centered around Akram Afif, a two-time Asian Footballer of the Year and their most decorated player, who aims to overcome their previous group stage exit.
Here's a look at Group B and the players who could prove instrumental in guiding their teams beyond the group stage.
Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Qatar
Canada: Alphonso Davies
Canada's biggest star is their captain, Alphonso Davies. Injuries have complicated his build-up to the tournament, with the latest one coming during Bayern Munich's Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Vancouver academy product has become the face of Canadian football through his explosive pace and ability to influence games from the left flank. If he returns to full strength in time, he has the quality to drive the co-hosts beyond the group stage.
Switzerland: Granit Xhaka
Few midfielders heading into the tournament carry as much influence, and experience, as Granit Xhaka. The Swiss captain enjoyed another strong campaign at club level, helping Sunderland secure qualification for the Europa League.
Set to feature in his fourth World Cup, Xhaka brings a wealth of tournament experience. Switzerland have quietly built a reputation for consistency on football's biggest stages, and much of that stems from Xhaka's ability to control the tempo of the game and inspire those around him.
Bosnia & Herzegovina: Edin Džeko
Even at 40, Edin Džeko remains the beating heart of Bosnia & Herzegovina's attack. The veteran striker arrives at this edition on the back of a productive season, scoring six goals and providing three assists in the Bundesliga 2 for Schalke 04, while also finding the net six times for the national team during the European qualifiers.
Bosnia’s all-time leading scorer continues to defy age with his ability to deliver in big moments. With 73 international goals to his name, Džeko remains Bosnia’s most reliable man on the field.
Qatar: Akram Afif
For Qatar, everything revolves around Akram Afif. The two-time Asian Footballer of the Year has maintained his impressive form with Al Sadd, scoring 12 goals during the 2025-26 Qatar Stars League season. With 133 international appearances and 41 goals for his country, Afif is widely regarded as the greatest footballer Qatar has produced. Having endured a disappointing home World Cup in 2022, where Qatar exited in the group stage, Afif will be eager to make amends this time around.