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Everything you need to know about Switzerland’s team selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Except for a lean period between 1970 and 1990, Switzerland have been consistent participants in the World Cup and have once again secured their berth in North America following an impressive qualification campaign.

Drawn alongside Kosovo, Slovenia, and Sweden, the Swiss remained unbeaten across their six qualifiers, winning four and netting 14 goals, finishing three points clear at the top of the table. Their efforts earned them a relatively favourable group for the World Cup, where they will take on co-hosts Canada, Qatar, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Nati’s best showing at the global level came with quarter-final finishes in 1934 and 1954. More recently, they have exited at the last-16 stage in three consecutive editions. However, with a mix of seasoned veterans and dynamic young talents, Switzerland could turn into one of the tournament’s surprise packages, even though iconic names like Xherdan Shaqiri, Yann Sommer, and Haris Seferovic have retired from international duty.

Under the guidance of head coach Murat Yakin, the Swiss will rely heavily on experienced figures such as Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez, and captain Granit Xhaka. Yakin will hope to extract the best from his side’s unpredictable but talented forward line.

Goalkeepers

Yann Sommer guarded Switzerland’s goal for over a decade before stepping away from international football two years ago. That opened the door for Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel to become the first-choice keeper after spending years as the understudy. Lorient’s Yvon Mvogo and Young Boys’ Marvin Keller are set to serve as the backup options.

Defenders

In defence, Murat Yakin will count on the experience of Manuel Akanji and Ricardo Rodriguez to anchor the backline. Akanji, now with Inter Milan, is well known to Premier League followers for his successful spell at Manchester City, where he lifted seven major titles. Rodriguez, once famed for his pinpoint crosses during his Wolfsburg days, now plays a more defensive role but remains key for his country.

Nico Elvedi of Borussia Monchengladbach is expected to partner Akanji in central defence, while Mainz’s Silvan Widmer is set to take the right-back position. The squad also boasts strong depth with Miro Muheim, Eray Comert, Luca Jaquez, and Aurele Amenda, all competing in Europe’s top leagues.

Midfielders

Granit Xhaka is almost certain to start as captain in the centre of the park, barring any late injuries. The Sunderland midfielder, formerly of Arsenal, offers leadership and composure, complemented by the mobility and work rate of Remo Freuler and Michel Aebischer.

Denis Zakaria, despite an underwhelming stint at Chelsea, continues to impress at Monaco and remains an integral part of the national squad. Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi, just 20 years old, is regarded as one of Switzerland’s brightest prospects. Additional options include Sevilla’s Djibril Sow and Al-Shabab’s Vincent Sierro, providing depth and versatility.

Attackers

Up front, Switzerland’s main attacking threat will likely come from Rennes forward Breel Embolo. The 29-year-old, once tipped for a major move during his Basel and Schalke years, has consistently delivered on the international stage, including a goal against England at Euro 2024 before Switzerland’s exit on penalties.

Dan Ndoye, despite a quiet debut season at Nottingham Forest, remains a valuable option due to his pace and dribbling, attributes that could prove decisive in North America. Ruben Vargas’s intelligent movement and goal sense make him another crucial attacking component.

Noah Okafor also earns his place, having scored eight goals for Leeds in the Premier League campaign.

Switzerland's star players

Several of Switzerland’s key figures may be featuring in their final international tournament this summer. Granit Xhaka, approaching 150 caps, remains the emotional and tactical leader. His long-range shooting could be a vital weapon, but Breel Embolo will shoulder the main responsibility for finding the back of the net.

Ricardo Rodriguez’s ability to deliver from the left flank and the creativity of wingers Dan Ndoye and Ruben Vargas will also be essential to Switzerland’s attacking play.

Meanwhile, Gregor Kobel has established himself as one of Europe’s most dependable goalkeepers with Dortmund and enters the World Cup as one of the standout keepers in the tournament. Filling Sommer’s shoes is a tall order, but Kobel has shown he can make crucial saves under pressure.

Predicted Switzerland Starting XI for World Cup 2026

Switzerland are likely to alternate between a 4-3-3 and a 4-2-3-1 setup, though the 4-3-3 formation seems more probable for their North American campaign.

Kobel is expected in goal, with Akanji and Rodriguez forming part of the back four. Xhaka could be joined by Freuler and Sow in midfield.

In attack, Ndoye and Vargas will operate from the flanks, supporting Embolo through the centre while also making goal-scoring runs themselves.

Predicted Switzerland starting XI (4-3-3): Kobel; Widmer, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka, Sow; Ndoye, Embolo, Vargas.