Group B of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada has no history of encounters between the host nations, Qatar, and Switzerland, but this could change if Italy wins the playoff. This playoff also includes teams from Northern Ireland, Wales, and Bosnia. This is because the Swiss team has already faced the 'Azzurri' on three occasions, winning twice and losing once, according to a survey conducted by the Argentine News Agency. In this regard, at the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland, the hosts defeated Italy 2-1 in Group 4, with goals from Robert Ballaman and Josef Hügi, while Giampiero Boniperti temporarily equalized for the losing side. And in the same tournament, to break the tie for the team advancing to the quarter-finals, the 'Helvetics' were victorious again, this time 4-1, with goals from Hügi (twice), Ballaman, and Jacques Fatton, while Fulvio Nestides scored for the 'Azzurri'. The last match between them was in Group 2 of the 1962 World Cup in Chile, when Italy beat Switzerland 3-0 with goals from Bruno Mora and Giacomo Bulgarelli (twice).
