Switzerland has been a regular participant in the World Cup for many years, with the exception of a lackluster period from 1970 to 1990. For the 2026 World Cup as well, the Swiss secured their ticket with a strong qualifying campaign.
Grouped with Kosovo, Slovenia and Sweden, Switzerland went unbeaten in six matches, winning four of them and scoring a total of 14 goals. In the end, they finished the group in first place, three points ahead of Kosovo. The reward was a favourable group at the World Cup, where they will face Canada, Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"Nati" does not have an extraordinary history on the world stage. The best results remain the quarterfinals of 1934 and 1954, while in the last three World Cups it has been eliminated in the 1/8 final stage. However, with some experienced players and some promising youngsters, Murat Yakin's team could turn into a "dark horse" of the tournament.
Although big names like Xherdan Shaqiri, Yann Sommer and Haris Seferović have retired from the national team, Switzerland still has key players like Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez and Granit Xhaka. Their experience will be essential for Yakin, who will look to get the most out of his talented but often unpredictable forwards.
In goal, the era of Yann Sommer is over. After more than a decade as the undisputed starter, his retirement from the national team has paved the way for Borussia Dortmund's Gregor Kobel. Kobel is expected to be the first choice, while Lorient's Yvon Mvogo and Young Boys' Marvin Keller are expected to be the backup options.
In defence, Yakin will rely heavily on Manuel Akanji and Ricardo Rodriguez, two of the most experienced players in the squad. Akanji, now at Inter, is also familiar to Premier League fans after his success with Manchester City, where he won several major trophies. Rodriguez, once known for his assists and dangerous crosses from the left wing, remains a highly experienced figure, although his figures are no longer at the level of his golden years at Wolfsburg.
Akanji's possible partner in the center of defense is expected to be Nico Elvedi, who has been a mainstay for Borussia Mönchengladbach for years. On the right wing, Mainz's Silvan Widmer is seen as the main option. Depth is not lacking, as the team also includes Miro Muheim, Eray Cömert, Luca Jaquez and Aurèle Amenda, all with experience in major European leagues.
In midfield, Granit Xhaka is almost certain to start and captain, unless he is hampered by a late-season injury. The former Arsenal midfielder brings leadership, composure and experience to the centre of the pitch. Alongside him, Remo Freuler and Michel Aebischer offer more mobility and balance.
Denis Zakaria failed to make a big impact during his short spell at Chelsea, but his consistent performances with Monaco have kept him in the national team. Support in midfield is also expected from Freiburg's Johan Manzambi, one of Switzerland's most exciting talents at the age of 20, as well as Sevilla's Djibril Sow and Al-Shabab's Vincent Sierro.
In attack, Switzerland have several options, but the main name is expected to be Rennes' Breel Embolo. The 29-year-old striker never made the big move he was expected to make when he was at Basel and then Schalke, but has rarely disappointed with the national team. He has experience at major tournaments and also scored against England at Euro 2024, before Switzerland were eliminated on penalties.
Dan Ndoye has had a quiet first season at Nottingham Forest, but his speed, dribbling and versatility could prove valuable in North America. Ruben Vargas, with his movement and positioning in the box, remains a constant threat to opposing defences. Meanwhile, Noah Okafor has also been included in the squad, having scored eight Premier League goals for Leeds.
Switzerland's key players could be playing their last major tournament with the national team. Xhaka has experienced almost everything in a Swiss shirt and is approaching the 150-cap mark. He will be looking to make his mark, perhaps even with a powerful long-range shot that remains one of his weapons.
However, the main burden of goals will fall on Embolo. He will need the help of Rodriguez on the left wing, as well as the support of Ndoye and Vargas on the attacking wings.
Kobel, on the other hand, has built a strong reputation thanks to his performances for Dortmund. After Sommer's departure, he has a big legacy to carry on his shoulders, but his qualities show that he is more than capable of making decisive saves at the most important moments.
Switzerland often alternates between a 4-3-3 and a 4-2-3-1 formation, but are expected to use a 4-3-3 system more at the 2026 World Cup. Kobel will be in goal, Akanji and Rodriguez will be part of the backline, while Xhaka could form a midfield trio with Freuler and Sow.
In attack, Ndoye and Vargas will attempt to provide Embolo with chances, but also enter the area themselves to look for the goal.
Switzerland's possible formation at the 2026 World Cup, in the 4-3-3 system:
Kobel; Widmer, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka, Sow; Ndoye, Embolo, Vargas. /GazetaExpress/
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