Switzerland have officially unveiled their provisional 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with experienced stars Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji leading Murat Yakin’s side ahead of the global tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Swiss enter the competition carrying a blend of experience and youthful energy as they aim to go beyond the knockout stages and establish themselves among the tournament’s surprise packages.
Head coach Murat Yakin has retained the core of players who have represented the country in recent major tournaments while also rewarding several young talents who impressed during the European season.
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Captain Granit Xhaka will once again be the heartbeat of the Swiss midfield. The 33-year-old is set to feature in his fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup after previously appearing at Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.
Alongside veteran defender Ricardo Rodriguez, Xhaka now edges closer to making more World Cup appearances than any Swiss player in history.
The duo’s journey with the national team dates back to 2009 when they helped Switzerland win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria, the country’s first global football title.
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Their continued presence in the squad highlights the level of experience Switzerland will rely on during the tournament.
Former Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji is another key inclusion and is expected to marshal the defence alongside Borussia Monchengladbach’s Nico Elvedi. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel also arrives at the tournament as one of Europe’s top shot stoppers following another impressive campaign in Germany.
In attack, Switzerland will look to Breel Embolo, Dan Ndoye, Noah Okafor and Zeki Amdouni for goals. Embolo’s physical presence and experience could prove crucial, while Nottingham Forest winger Ndoye comes into the tournament after a strong Premier League season.
One of the biggest talking points in the squad is the inclusion of 20-year-old Johan Manzambi. The Freiburg youngster is the youngest member of the team and earned his place after a breakthrough Bundesliga campaign.
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Young Boys goalkeeper Marvin Keller is the only uncapped player selected in the squad.
Switzerland have been drawn in a tricky group alongside Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and co-hosts Canada. Their opening match will be against Qatar on June 13 before facing Bosnia and Herzegovina four days later. They will conclude their group stage campaign against Canada in Vancouver on June 24.
The Swiss will hope their experienced core combined with emerging talents can inspire another memorable World Cup run.
Switzerland 2026 FIFA World Cup Fixtures
- June 13: Switzerland vs Qatar – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
- June 17: Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina – Los Angeles Stadium
- June 24: Switzerland vs Canada – BC Place, Vancouver
Switzerland 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers
- Gregor Kobel — Borussia Dortmund
- Yvon Mvogo — Lorient
- Marvin Keller — Young Boys
Defenders
- Manuel Akanji — Inter Milan
- Nico Elvedi — Borussia Mönchengladbach
- Ricardo Rodriguez — Real Betis
- Silvan Widmer — Mainz 05
- Miro Muheim — Hamburger SV
- Aurele Amenda — Eintracht Frankfurt
- Eray Comert — Valencia
- Luca Jaquez — Stuttgart
Midfielders
- Granit Xhaka — Sunderland
- Johan Manzambi — Freiburg
- Remo Freuler — Bologna
- Denis Zakaria — Monaco
- Ardon Jashari — AC Milan
- Djibril Sow — Sevilla
- Christian Fassnacht — Young Boys
- Michel Aebischer — Pisa
- Fabian Rieder — Augsburg
- Ruben Vargas — Sevilla
Forwards
- Breel Embolo — Rennes
- Noah Okafor — Leeds United
- Dan Ndoye — Nottingham Forest
- Zeki Amdouni — Burnley
- Cedric Itten — Fortuna Düsseldorf
Head Coach
- Murat Yakin