Granit Xhaka will dictate Switzerland’s 2026 World Cup fortunes
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka is set to carry Switzerland’s hopes at the 2026 World Cup across North America as manager Murat Yakin aims to build upon recent major tournament successes.
The upcoming tournament will represent a sixth consecutive World Cup appearance for the Swiss national side, and their 13th overall.
Having reached the quarter-finals on three previous occasions, the European outfit are determined to progress even deeper into the competition in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
At the heart of their ambitions is the 33-year-old midfielder, who has accumulated 143 caps and is widely regarded as one of the most tactically astute players his nation has ever produced.
Yakin overcomes early touchline doubts
While the veteran playmaker remains the focal point on the pitch, the man guiding them from the dugout has endured a tumultuous journey to secure his position.
Yakin took the reins from Vladimir Petkovic in 2021, an appointment that raised eyebrows given he was managing a mid-table side in the Swiss second tier at the time.
Despite initial reservations, the former Basel coach successfully navigated his squad through the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, notably finishing above European champions Italy.
Swiss football expert Craig King highlighted the steadying influence the manager had during his early tenure.
He came in and he kind of steadied the team a bit in that campaign.Craig King
Mental blocks and major breakthroughs
The path to recent international tournaments has not always been straightforward, with the squad inexplicably struggling during what appeared to be an easy European Championship qualifying group.
Defensive frailties against lower-ranked opposition led to intense scrutiny regarding the manager’s future, as his side repeatedly conceded late goals against the likes of Andorra and Belarus.
However, the Swiss federation retained their faith, and they were rewarded with a stellar showing at the subsequent summer tournament.
King noted that the squad consistently defies expectations when the pressure is highest on the global stage.
At the Euros they played really, really well, beat Germany in the group stage and took England all the way.Craig King
With an increasingly dangerous attacking system now complementing their established resilience, the Swiss look primed to be a formidable opponent when the 2026 World Cup begins.
