Yakin Names Switzerland's 26 for a Sixth Consecutive World Cup: Xhaka Captains, Embolo and Ndoye Lead Attack
Murat Yakin has confirmed Switzerland's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, their sixth consecutive appearance. Captain Granit Xhaka leads the most-capped Swiss player onto the world stage. The Schweizer Nati open Group B against Qatar on June 13. They have not reached a World Cup quarter-final since 1954.
M urat Yakin has confirmed Switzerland's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, the country's sixth consecutive appearance at the finals. Captain Granit Xhaka, the country's most-capped player, anchors a list that combines Euro 2024 survivors with a handful of younger names already pushing into the first eleven.
A consistent force, still without a quarter-final since 1954
Switzerland have qualified for as many World Cups since 2006 as they did in the previous 68 years. The numbers point to one of the most consistent European programmes of the modern era, yet the Schweizer Nati have not reached a World Cup quarter-final since 1954, when they finished as quarter-finalists on home soil. Yakin's side reached the finals after topping their qualifying group unbeaten.
Xhaka, Embolo, Ndoye and the rise of Manzambi
No man has played more times for Switzerland than Xhaka, part of the under-17 World Cup-winning class of 2009 and now in his sixth tournament cycle as a senior. Up front the spearhead is Breel Embolo, who has shaken off years of injury issues to become the team's reference number nine. Nottingham Forest's Dan Ndoye has settled in as the goalscoring wide forward alongside him.
Johan Manzambi is the breakthrough name to watch. Unknown 12 months ago, the 20-year-old has scored three goals with one assist in 10 appearances since his June 2025 senior debut. Behind them sit established Bundesliga and Serie A names: Manuel Akanji at Inter, Gregor Kobel at Borussia Dortmund, Remo Freuler at Bologna and Ricardo Rodríguez at Real Betis.
Group B fixtures
Switzerland open against Qatar on June 13 in Santa Clara, face Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 16 in Inglewood, and close the group against co-hosts Canada on June 24 in Vancouver. The Canada match in Vancouver carries the most expectation: a positive result would put the Schweizer Nati on course for a knockout-round place and a credible shot at the quarter-final breakthrough that has eluded the country for 72 years.