Switzerland at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

Switzerland is one of Europe's most consistent World Cup nations, having appeared in 13 tournaments since their debut in 1934. Their best results came during the early decades of the competition: quarter-final exits in 1934, 1938, and 1954. The 1954 edition was particularly memorable, as Switzerland co-hosted and participated in the highest-scoring World Cup match ever played, losing 7-5 to Austria in what became known as the "Battle of Bern." More recently, Switzerland shocked eventual 2010 champions Spain 1-0 in the group stage, though they were eliminated later. They have never won the tournament and are still chasing their first semi-final appearance.

Qualification

Switzerland qualified directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by winning UEFA qualifying Group B, which also included Kosovo, Slovenia, and Sweden. Their campaign was dominant: four wins, two draws, zero defeats in six matches, scoring 14 goals and conceding only two for a goal difference of +12 and 14 points. Key results included a 2-0 away win in Sweden and a 4-1 home victory over Sweden that effectively secured top spot. Switzerland closed the group with a 1-1 draw away to Kosovo. As group winners, they qualified automatically without needing the playoff round.

Preparation

Switzerland's 2026 World Cup campaign ended in the quarter-final on July 11, losing 3-1 after extra time to Argentina in Kansas City, with Breel Embolo sent off in the 72nd minute. It was Switzerland's deepest World Cup run since 1954: they beat Algeria 2-0 in the Round of 32 (July 2) and Colombia 4-3 on penalties in the Round of 16 (July 7) before falling to eventual semi-finalists Argentina.

Latest news

Argentina end Switzerland's run 3-1 (AET) in the quarter-final; Embolo sent off

· matches

Switzerland's best World Cup run since 1954 ended in the quarter-final in Kansas City. Mac Allister headed Argentina ahead (10'), Dan Ndoye equalised (67'), but Breel Embolo was sent off for a second yellow (72'). Julián Álvarez struck from distance (112') and Lautaro Martínez added a third (120+1') as Argentina won 3-1 (AET) to reach the semi-final against England.

Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties to reach first World Cup quarter-final since 1954

· matches

Switzerland and Colombia finished goalless after 120 minutes in Vancouver. In the shoot-out Switzerland won 4-3, with Rubén Vargas striking the winning spot-kick; Gregor Kobel saved a Colombian attempt. The win sent Switzerland into the quarter-finals for the first time since they hosted the tournament in 1954, where they will face Argentina.

Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0 to reach Round of 16, first World Cup knockout win in 88 years

· matches

Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0 at BC Place, Vancouver (Round of 32). Manzambi set up Embolo for a tap-in (10'); Ndoye doubled the lead 48 seconds into the second half (46'). Yakin's side lined up in a back three, a shift from the expected 4-2-3-1. It was Switzerland's first World Cup knockout win in 88 years; they advanced to face Colombia in the Round of 16.

Widmer left out of Algeria starting lineup with ongoing hip and thigh problem

· injuries

Right-back Silvan Widmer, who had missed training on June 28 with a hip injury, remained a serious doubt and was left out of Switzerland's starting XI for the July 2 Round of 32 match against Algeria due to an ongoing hip and thigh problem. Switzerland instead fielded a back three without him.

Widmer absent from Sunday training with hip injury; doubtful for Algeria (July 2)

· injuries

Silvan Widmer did not take part in Switzerland's Sunday training session on June 28 due to a hip injury and is listed as a game-time decision ahead of the Round of 32 clash with Algeria at BC Place, Vancouver on July 2. If Widmer cannot play, Luca Jaquez is expected to cover at right-back.

Algeria confirmed as Switzerland's Round of 32 opponent after 3-3 draw with Austria

· general

Algeria qualified as one of the eight best third-placed teams from Group J with four points, confirmed after their dramatic 3-3 draw with Austria on June 27 (Riyad Mahrez scored twice). Switzerland will face Algeria in the Round of 32 on July 2, 2026 at BC Place, Vancouver.

Muheim returns to full squad training; available for Round of 32 vs Algeria

· injuries

Miro Muheim returned to full squad training on Friday June 26, marking his recovery from the muscle strain that had kept him in individual sessions since mid-June and ruled him out of the Bosnia and Canada matches. He is now considered an option for Switzerland's Round of 32 fixture against Algeria on July 2.

Switzerland beat Canada 2-1 to top Group B with 7 points; Vargas and Manzambi score

· matches

Switzerland topped Group B with a 2-1 win over Canada at BC Place, Vancouver. Rubén Vargas scored 40 seconds into the second half (46') and Johan Manzambi doubled the lead (57'); substitute Promise David pulled one back (76'). Switzerland advanced with 7 points (W2 D1 L0) and face a third-placed team in the Round of 32; Canada progressed as runners-up on 4 points.

Muheim questionable for Canada match with muscle strain, training apart

· injuries

Left-back Miro Muheim remains listed as questionable ahead of Switzerland's final Group B match against Canada on June 24 in Vancouver. He sustained a muscle strain that ruled him out of the Bosnia-Herzegovina match on June 18, and as of June 23 is still training apart from the squad. He is not in Switzerland's projected XI, with Ricardo Rodriguez expected to continue at left-back.

Manzambi brace powers Switzerland to 4-1 win over Bosnia; Xhaka silences critics with penalty celebration

· matches

Switzerland beat Bosnia 4-1 at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, in a dramatic finale. Johan Manzambi broke the deadlock (74'), Muharemovic was sent off (~80'), Vargas scored (84'), Manzambi added a second (90'), BiH replied (90+3'), and Xhaka converted a penalty (90+7') with a pointed 'talking gesture' celebration aimed at his critics. Switzerland top Group B.

Swiss media report 'toxic' atmosphere in Switzerland camp over Xhaka's post-Qatar comments

· general

Swiss outlet Blick reported players felt unsettled by Xhaka's post-Qatar remarks (reportedly accusing some of playing for themselves), with the atmosphere described as 'toxic'. Coach Yakin responded: 'I am optimistic. I trust my players.' Freuler defended the captain: 'He might be expressing critiques, but it is also very important.'

Switzerland draw 1-1 with Qatar in World Cup opener; Embolo penalty cancelled by last-gasp own goal

· matches

Switzerland drew 1-1 with Qatar at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara. Embolo converted a penalty (17') after Abunada fouled Freuler; Khoukhi headed in a late cross (90+4'), recorded as a Miro Muheim own goal, giving Qatar their first-ever World Cup point. Switzerland dominated with 26 shots (3.24 xG) but were wasteful. All four Group B teams finished round 1 on one point.

Vargas returns to full training, cleared ahead of Qatar opener

· injuries

Rubén Vargas, who had been rested since around June 4-5 with muscular problems and missed the 1-1 Australia friendly on June 6, is no longer on Switzerland's injury report and was training at full capacity by June 12. Coach Yakin had confirmed he would return to full training before the Qatar match. Vargas is Switzerland's primary right-flank threat and set-piece deliverer.

Vargas listed as questionable for Qatar opener with undisclosed muscular injury

· injuries

RotoWire's pre-match analysis (published June 11) listed Rubén Vargas as questionable for Switzerland's World Cup opener against Qatar on June 13, with a potential return date of match day itself. He had missed the Australia friendly on June 6 after sustaining a minor muscular injury around June 4-5. If absent, Fabian Rieder would shift right and Michel Aebischer retain the left flank.

Yakin sets strict group-stage rules for Switzerland's San Diego base camp

· general

Coach Murat Yakin laid down camp rules at Switzerland's World Cup base, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego: no alcohol and no night outings, while short city trips (such as a harbour coffee) are allowed. Family visits to the team hotel are barred during the group stage, with only brief meetings permitted shortly after matches. The team has trained daily at the nearby San Diego Jewish Academy.

Xhaka warns Switzerland after Australia draw; Embolo set to start opener

· general

Days before the Qatar opener, captain Granit Xhaka warned that the level of the 1-1 Australia draw would send Switzerland home quickly. Breel Embolo, who reached the squad on Friday after his visa delay, is integrated and expected to start against Qatar. Yakin has kept the Qatar lineup open; a starting role for 20-year-old Johan Manzambi is seen as likely.

Switzerland draw 1-1 with Australia in final World Cup warm-up

· matches

Switzerland closed their warm-ups with a 1-1 draw against Australia at Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego. Dan Ndoye scored (14') from a Granit Xhaka through-ball; Australia debutant Tete Yengi equalised (56'). Gregor Kobel kept the Swiss level with a fingertip save off Nestory Irankunda's effort onto the bar. Yakin started Amdouni and Manzambi up front.

Embolo's US visa approved; striker joins Switzerland squad in San Diego

· general

The Swiss Football Association announced Breel Embolo's US visa was approved after his ESTA was blocked and he was denied boarding the June 3 Zurich flight. US authorities verified his 2018 Basel threatening-behaviour conviction (final on appeal in April 2026) was non-violent. He flew out on Friday to rejoin the squad in San Diego ahead of the Australia friendly.

Switzerland train for first time in San Diego; Embolo stuck in Zurich over US entry

· general

Switzerland's first San Diego training (Wed 11:15 local) lacked Breel Embolo: US embassy pulled his ESTA ~2.5h before Tuesday's flight, needing court papers on his 2018 threats conviction (binding April 2026; non-physical) and a Bern-filed visa, urgently processed. SFV's Adrian Arnold said Embolo waits in Zurich, kept fit by an athletic trainer, joins soon. Australia June 6, Qatar opener June 13.

Switzerland open World Cup warm-ups with 4-1 win over Jordan

· matches

In their first-ever meeting, Switzerland beat Jordan 4-1 at Kybunpark in St. Gallen (att. 13,380). Breel Embolo (28', pen) and Dan Ndoye (33') struck before Granit Xhaka added a penalty in first-half stoppage time (45+9'); Christian Fassnacht made it 4-1 (79'). Odeh Fakhoury scored Jordan's reply (52'). Yakin rotated heavily, making five changes at the break.

Muheim recovered from ankle injury ahead of Jordan friendly

· injuries

Left-back Miro Muheim (Hamburger SV) declared himself fit after recovering from an ankle injury sustained about a month earlier, saying he was ready and hoping to play in the Jordan friendly. He is normally a backup to Ricardo Rodríguez.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Gregor KobelGKBorussia Dortmund
Yvon MvogoGKFC Lorient
Marvin KellerGKBSC Young Boys
Manuel AkanjiDFInter Milan
Nico ElvediDFBorussia Mönchengladbach
Ricardo RodríguezDFReal Betis
Silvan WidmerDF1. FSV Mainz 05
Miro MuheimDFHamburger SV
Aurèle AmendaDFEintracht Frankfurt
Eray CömertDFValencia CF
Luca JaquezDFVfB Stuttgart
Granit XhakaMFSunderland AFC
Remo FreulerMFBologna FC
Denis ZakariaMFAS Monaco
Ardon JashariMFAC Milan
Djibril SowMFSevilla FC
Johan ManzambiMFSC Freiburg
Christian FassnachtMFBSC Young Boys
Michel AebischerMFAC Pisa
Fabian RiederMFFC Augsburg
Rubén VargasMFSevilla FC
Breel EmboloFWStade Rennais FC
Noah OkaforFWLeeds United
Dan NdoyeFWNottingham Forest
Zeki AmdouniFWBurnley FC
Cedric IttenFWFortuna Düsseldorf

Recent results

  • 2024-03-23 — DEN 0-0 SUI (friendly)
  • 2024-03-26 — IRL 0-1 SUI (friendly)
  • 2024-06-04 — SUI 4-0 EST (friendly)
  • 2024-06-08 — SUI 1-1 AUT (friendly)
  • 2025-03-21 — NIR 1-1 SUI (friendly)
  • 2025-03-25 — SUI 3-1 LUX (friendly)
  • 2025-06-07 — MEX 2-4 SUI (friendly)
  • 2025-06-10 — USA 0-4 SUI (friendly)
  • 2025-09-05 — SUI 4-0 KOS (qualification)
  • 2025-09-08 — SUI 3-0 SVN (qualification)
  • 2025-10-10 — SWE 0-2 SUI (qualification)
  • 2025-10-13 — SVN 0-0 SUI (qualification)
  • 2025-11-15 — SUI 4-1 SWE (qualification)
  • 2025-11-18 — KOS 1-1 SUI (qualification)
  • 2026-03-27 — SUI 3-4 GER (friendly)
  • 2026-03-31 — NOR 0-0 SUI (friendly)
  • 2026-05-31 — SUI 4-1 JOR (friendly)
  • 2026-06-06 — SUI 1-1 AUS (friendly)
  • 2026-06-13 — QAT 1-1 SUI (group)
  • 2026-06-18 — SUI 4-1 BIH (group)
  • 2026-06-24 — SUI 2-1 CAN (group)
  • 2026-07-02 — SUI 2-0 ALG (round_of_32)
  • 2026-07-07 — SUI 0-0 COL (round_of_16)
  • 2026-07-11 — ARG 3-1 SUI (quarter_final)

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