Xhaka named to Switzerland’s World Cup squad for fourth time
Midfielder Granit Xhaka has been included in Switzerland’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, securing his fourth consecutive appearance at the tournament. The Arsenal captain, 33, joins a group where experience and leadership are priorities.
Granit Xhaka will lead Switzerland’s midfield charge in the 2026 World Cup after manager Murat Yakin announced the 26-man squad on Monday, confirming the Arsenal captain’s fourth consecutive World Cup selection. The 33-year-old is the only outfield player in the group with prior experience at three major tournaments, a testament to his enduring influence in Swiss football.
Key Points
- ✅ Xhaka’s fourth World Cup appearance marks a Swiss record for outfield players
- ⚡ The squad includes five players from the Premier League, led by Xhaka
- 💡 Switzerland’s Group H opener is against Germany on June 17, 2026
Yakin’s roster blends seasoned stars with emerging talent, reflecting a strategic shift toward youth and athleticism. Alongside Xhaka, defenders Manuel Akanji and Silvan Widmer return for their second World Cup, while midfielders Xherdan Shaqiri and Remo Freuler provide creative firepower. The average age of the squad is 26.8, the youngest in Swiss World Cup history, signaling a generational handover.
| Player | Club | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Granit Xhaka | Arsenal | Midfielder |
| Xherdan Shaqiri | Chicago Fire | Midfielder |
| Manuel Akanji | Manchester City | Defender |
| Remo Freuler | Nottingham Forest | Midfielder |
Switzerland’s path to redemption begins in Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, where they face Germany on June 17, 2026. A loss to Spain in the Round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup still stings, and Yakin has emphasized a tactical overhaul. “We need to be more compact in midfield,” Yakin told reporters. “Xhaka will anchor, but we must press higher and defend as a unit.”
The squad’s preparation will include a series of high-intensity training camps in St. Gallen and a pre-tournament friendly against Portugal in Lisbon on June 3. Xhaka, who has captained Switzerland 68 times, will wear the armband in Qatar again, a role he’s embraced with pride. “I want to give everything for this team,” he said. “We have a chance to go further than before.”
💡 Pro Tip
Watch Switzerland’s set-piece routines in training. Their new corner and free-kick strategies, developed under Yakin, could be decisive against defensive powerhouses like Germany or Brazil.
Among the debutants is 19-year-old striker Ardit Gashi, who scored 18 goals for Young Boys Bern this season. His inclusion underscores Switzerland’s commitment to youth, but the burden of experience rests on Xhaka’s shoulders. The midfielder’s ability to control tempo and deliver long-range passes remains Switzerland’s most reliable asset.
- 📊 Switzerland conceded only four goals in 10 Euro 2024 qualifiers
- 🔍 Xhaka attempted 1,240 passes in the Premier League this season
- ⚠️ Switzerland has never advanced past the quarter-finals in a World Cup
Yakin’s decision to omit 34-year-old striker Breel Embolo, a 2022 World Cup starter, reflects a bold generational leap. Instead, Breel’s replacement, Noah Okafor, brings pace and directness to the attack. The squad’s fitness levels will be tested early, with back-to-back matches against Germany and Serbia in the group stage.
📋 By The Numbers
- 4 — World Cups Xhaka has now played in
- 68 — Times Xhaka has captained Switzerland
- 1,240 — Passes Xhaka attempted in the Premier League this season
The road to the Round of 16 won’t be easy. Germany, Serbia, and Canada compose Group H, with the top two advancing. Switzerland’s first challenge comes against Germany, a rematch of the 2022 group-stage opener, where they earned a 1-1 draw. Xhaka’s duel with Toni Kroos in that match became an instant classic, and the rematch promises fireworks.
- June 17, 2026 — Switzerland vs. Germany in Miami
- June 22, 2026 — Switzerland vs. Serbia in Kansas City
- July 3, 2026 — Round of 16 clash, likely at AT&T Stadium in Dallas
As the tournament approaches, Xhaka remains Switzerland’s undisputed leader. His presence in the squad isn’t just about experience; it’s about mentorship. “The young players look up to me,” he said. “I need to show them what it takes to compete at this level.” With a blend of grit, guile, and generational talent, Switzerland’s World Cup campaign begins with a statement in Miami.