Qatar return to World Cup stage against Switzerland
The 2022 hosts return to football's biggest stage looking to improve on their debut World Cup appearance, when they exited the tournament in the group stage after three defeats.
Qatar secured qualification through Asia but arrive at the competition after a difficult run of results, having failed to win any of their last six matches. Their preparations ended with a 1-1 draw against El Salvador following a narrow defeat to the Republic of Ireland.
Akram Afif remains Qatar's main attacking threat, while captain Hassan Al Haydos and defender Boualem Khoukhi bring a wealth of international experience.
Switzerland, meanwhile, are appearing at a sixth consecutive World Cup and have progressed beyond the group stage at each of the last three editions.
Murat Yakin's side have lost only one of their last 14 matches in all competitions and travel to California after a 4-1 victory over Jordan and a 1-1 draw with Australia in their final warm-up fixtures.
Switzerland's squad includes experienced internationals Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji, alongside attacking options Breel Embolo, Dan Ndoye and Ruben Vargas.
The two nations have never faced each other at a World Cup, although Qatar recorded a 1-0 victory when the sides met in a friendly in 2018.
With Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina having already shared the points, Saturday's meeting offers both teams an opportunity to take early control of Group B.
