Switzerland World Cup 2026 Squad — All 26 Players Named by Murat Yakin

Granit Xhaka makes his fourth World Cup at 33

Still captain, still one of the best midfielders at the tournament. At Bayer Leverkusen he has been transformed under Alonso into a genuinely elite player again. Switzerland are built around him and his influence in midfield will be crucial. Xhaka has divided opinion throughout his career but there is no denying his quality or his commitment. Four World Cups is a remarkable achievement and he looks in the form of his life heading into this one.

Xherdan Shaqiri retired from international football in 2023

His absence is felt more as a personality than a quality concern. Shaqiri was always Switzerland's big game player, the one who scored against Poland in 2014, against Serbia in 2018. The dressing room is quieter without him. Those moments — the bicycle kick, the double against Serbia with the eagle celebration — defined what Switzerland could be at their absolute best. Yakin has quality to replace him technically but replacing his big-game mentality is harder.

Yann Sommer at 36 is still first choice

Inter Milan's goalkeeper has been one of the best in Serie A this season. Age does not seem to be affecting him and he remains one of the safest pairs of hands in this tournament. Sommer has been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in world football for a decade. His shot-stopping at the 2022 World Cup was exceptional. As long as his reflexes stay sharp he is a genuine asset.

Manuel Akanji at Manchester City is Switzerland's best outfield player

Dominant in the air, composed on the ball, outstanding in the Premier League. He gives them a world-class defensive foundation. Akanji has become one of the best centre-backs in the world since joining City and playing under Guardiola. Switzerland's defensive organisation starts with him and if he is on form they will be very difficult to score against.

Switzerland are in Group B with Canada, Bosnia and Qatar

They should qualify comfortably. Their record at World Cups under Yakin has been excellent — reaching the quarter-finals in 2022 before losing to Argentina on penalties. Group B is there for the taking. Switzerland are the quality side in that group and if they perform to their level they should win it. The question is who they face in the Round of 32 — that is when Switzerland's tournaments tend to either take off or end.

Ardon Jashari at Club Brugge is the exciting young talent

Only 22 and already one of the most sought-after midfielders in Belgium. This World Cup could be his launchpad. Jashari has the engine and the passing range to operate at the highest level and Yakin has been giving him more and more responsibility. Alongside Xhaka in midfield he could be the perfect combination of experience and youthful energy. Watch him closely.

Who is in Switzerland's World Cup 2026 squad?

Murat Yakin named a 26-man Switzerland squad for World Cup 2026. The squad is captained by Granit Xhaka and includes Yann Sommer in goal, Manuel Akanji in defence, and Breel Embolo leading the attack. Xherdan Shaqiri is absent having retired from international football in 2023.

Is Granit Xhaka in Switzerland's World Cup 2026 squad?

Yes, Granit Xhaka is in Switzerland's World Cup 2026 squad and captains the side. This is his fourth World Cup at the age of 33. At Bayer Leverkusen he has been one of the best midfielders in Europe.

Who is Switzerland's captain at World Cup 2026?

Granit Xhaka is Switzerland's captain at World Cup 2026. The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder is making his fourth World Cup appearance at 33.

What group are Switzerland in at World Cup 2026?

Switzerland are in Group B at World Cup 2026 alongside Canada, Bosnia and Qatar. They are the strongest team in the group and should qualify for the Round of 32 comfortably.

Is Xherdan Shaqiri in Switzerland's World Cup 2026 squad?

No, Xherdan Shaqiri is not in Switzerland's World Cup 2026 squad. Shaqiri retired from international football in 2023 after a memorable career including iconic goals against Poland and Serbia at previous World Cups.

Can Switzerland reach the quarter finals at World Cup 2026?

Switzerland reached the quarter-finals at the 2022 World Cup and have a strong squad under Yakin. With Akanji, Sommer and Xhaka leading the way, reaching the last eight again is a realistic ambition.