Switzerland FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview: Player to watch out for, tactics, playing XI

Switzerland, ranked 19th in the world, may be going through a period of transition but is still the favorite to emerge from this group with more than one contender.

The European country has managed to get out of the group in the past two editions, but has to manage without the much-admired Yam Sommer and Xherdan Shaqiri.

Ruben Vargas and Dan Ndoye, who occupy the majority of both wings, are among the emerging talismans, scoring three goals each during their team’s qualifying tour of Europe. Noah Okafor found the net eight times for Leeds United last season and has made a strong case for leading the attack.

Breel Embolo had long shared the burden up front with his senior Shaqiri. With the latter’s career under pressure, Embolo has had to take more responsibility. This has also led to the team playing with a single attacker, instead of the two-man attack.

But the switch seems to have worked so far. Four goals in six qualifying games for Embolo were proof that he is making progress and comfortable in the new role.

Manual Akanji and Ricardo Rodriguez retain prominence in the back line, but the absence of Fabian Schar would leave a gaping hole.

Granit Xhaka is another senior statesman who remains the creative heartbeat of this team.

Player to watch out for: Breel Embolo

At 29 years old, Embolo is probably at the peak of his powers. His 11-goal contributions for Sassuolo this season were perhaps disappointing. But he has the experience of playing in the World Cup and can convert opportunities.

Manager: Murat Yakin

It would help Switzerland that Murat Yakin has now been in charge for five years and did well to lead this team to the last eight at the European Championship, despite outside noise about a troubled dressing room. Being the highest ranked in the group could be the confidence boost the team needs to make a deep run in the tournament.

World Cup statistics

• Appearances: 13

• Best result: quarter-finals (1934, 1938, 1954)

• FIFA ranking: 19

• Matches played: 41

• Won: 14

• Drawn: 8

• Lost: 19

• GF: 55

• GE: 73

• Highest active goalscorer: Breel Embolo (23)

Predicted lineup:

Gregor Kobel – Ricardo Rodriguez, Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, Silvan Widmer – Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler, Fabian Rieder, Dan Ndoye, Reuben Vargas – Breel Embolo

Team

Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel, Marvin Keller, Yvon Mvogo

Defenders: Manuel Akanji, Aurele Amenda, Eray Comert, Nico Elvedi, Luca Jaquez, Miro Muheim, Ricardo Rodriguez, Silvan Widmer

Midfielders: Michel Aebischer, Christian Fassnacht, Remo Freuler, Cedric Itten, Ardon Jashari, Fabian Rieder, Djibril Sow, Granit Xhaka, Denis Zakaria

Forward: Zeki Amdouni, Breel Embolo, Johan Manzambi, Dan Ndoye, Noah Okafor, Ruben Vargas

Published on June 5, 2026