Switzerland have never reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, but that could change in 2026. Granit Xhaka and his teammates enter the tournament with high expectations after a smooth qualifying campaign. This is the sixth consecutive World Cup for Switzerland, and they will set up base in San Diego before flying to the US west coast on Tuesday.
The Plan
“We want to play the best World Cup seen from a Swiss team,” coach Murat Yakin told Blick. “The feeling that we could have reached the final of the last Euros [they lost on penalties to England in the quarter-finals] gives us something to dream about.” Switzerland have never advanced past the quarter-finals, last reaching that stage on home soil in 1954. Since then, their campaigns have typically ended in the last 16, as in 2022 when they lost 6-1 to Portugal.
Qualifying and Squad
Switzerland topped their qualifying group ahead of Kosovo, Slovenia, and Sweden, winning four and drawing two. The squad blends experienced players like Granit Xhaka, Manuel Akanji, and Ricardo Rodriguez with younger talents such as Dan Ndoye, Fabian Rieder, and Johan Manzambi. The team has avoided major injuries, with Burnley striker Zeki Amdouni recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Noah Okafor, who had a public fallout with Yakin after Euro 2024, has apologized and returned to form. “He could be a key player at the World Cup,” Yakin said.
Tactics
Yakin prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation but has experimented with 3-4-3, using Denis Zakaria as a right wing-back. This system helped Switzerland reach the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
The Coach
Murat Yakin’s standing has never been higher. Defender Ricardo Rodriguez praised him: “Over the years, he’s become even more open and communicative. He talks to us a lot, asks for our opinions, and listens. He’s really brilliant at that.” Yakin, appointed in 2021 after coaching second-tier FC Schaffhausen, has extended his contract to 2028.
Star Player
Captain Granit Xhaka, 33, remains the team’s most important player. He dictates tempo and balances defence and attack. This will likely be his last World Cup, but he may continue internationally. Xhaka has excelled at Bayer Leverkusen and Sunderland, describing himself as “like a good red wine: the older, the better.”
One to Watch
Johan Manzambi, a versatile midfielder from Freiburg, is attracting interest from top European clubs. He can play as a No 6, No 8, No 10, or even up front. Yakin called him a “secret weapon” for the tournament.
Unsung Hero
Remo Freuler, 34, complements Xhaka in midfield with his running capacity, strength in one-on-ones, and football intelligence. He fought his way into the starting lineup after the 2018 World Cup and is now indispensable.
Probable Starting XI
The likely lineup includes Yann Sommer in goal; a defence of Ricardo Rodriguez, Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, and Silvan Widmer; midfield duo Remo Freuler and Granit Xhaka; attacking midfielders Dan Ndoye, Fabian Rieder, and Noah Okafor; and striker Breel Embolo.
Fan Support
Swiss fans typically travel in large numbers, but only about 500 have tickets for group games through the Swiss FA, and 2,000 for knockout stages. High costs and political concerns have limited attendance. Their favourite song is “Schwiizer Nati, olé olé,” and they have a chant for Breel Embolo to the tune of The Lion Sleeps Tonight.
Relationship with the US/Trump
Players are unlikely to comment on political issues. Swiss FA president Peter Knäbel said the team will focus on sport, but will take a stand if values are affected. US President Donald Trump has criticized Switzerland’s trade practices, but the team remains focused on the tournament.
