Both sides began their Group B campaigns with 1-1 draws. Switzerland were denied victory by a late Qatar equaliser in San Jose, while Bosnia and Herzegovina earned a valuable point against hosts Canada in Toronto.

Murat Yakin's side looked on course to make a winning start after Breel Embolo converted a first-half penalty against Qatar. Switzerland controlled large portions of the match and created several opportunities to extend their advantage but were unable to find a second goal before conceding deep into stoppage time.

The result was a frustrating one for a team widely expected to challenge for top spot in the group, although the fact that both opening matches finished level means the section remains finely balanced heading into the second round of fixtures.

Switzerland will also be aware that a difficult final group match against Canada awaits, making three points in Los Angeles especially important.

Much of the Swiss threat is expected to come from experienced figures such as Embolo, captain Granit Xhaka and defender Manuel Akanji, who remain the backbone of a squad aiming to reach the knockout stages for a sixth consecutive World Cup.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, meanwhile, produced an encouraging performance against Canada in their first-ever World Cup match.

Jovo Lukic gave Sergej Barbarez's side the lead in the first half and Bosnia and Herzegovina defended resolutely for long periods before Cyle Larin equalised with 12 minutes remaining.

While there was disappointment at not holding on for all three points, the result extended Bosnia and Herzegovina's unbeaten run and reinforced growing belief within the squad that they can progress from the group.

Captain Edin Dzeko may no longer be part of the national team setup, but players such as Ermedin Demirovic and Lukic have helped usher in a new generation that has impressed throughout qualification and the build-up to the tournament.

The nations have met only once before, with Bosnia and Herzegovina claiming a 2-0 victory in a friendly in 2016.

With Qatar and Canada facing each other in the group's other match, both teams know a win at the Los Angeles Stadium could leave them in a strong position ahead of the final round of fixtures.

Switzerland predicted lineup:

Kobel; Zakaria, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Aebischer, Xhaka, Freuler; Ndoye, Embolo, Manzambi

Bosnia and Herzegovina predicted lineup:

Vasilj; Dedic, Katic, Muharemovic, Kolasinac; Bajraktarevic, Tahirovic, Basic, Alajbegovic; Demirovic, Lukic

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