Familiar faces in Switzerland squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
by Alex Lawes ·
Updated
Switzerland manager Murat Yakin has announced his 26-man squad for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Now a part of the FIFA World Cup furniture every four years, with this being their sixth successive qualification, Switzerland have selected a familiar feeling squad once again for this summer, albeit, at last, now without the experienced attacking versatility of Xherdan Shaqiri.
The former Bayern Munich and Liverpool winger retired at the end of UEFA EURO 2024 – having played for the Swiss in seven major tournaments since 2010. However, the new era for the Swiss is not short on quality in the final third.
Alongside the familiar faces of the likes of Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez, Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo; Switzerland have some very exciting and in-form talents across their forward line.
One name in particular that stands out is Freiburg attacking midfielder Johan Manzambi, who has been crucial in their run to the UEFA Europa League final this season and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in European football.
Alongside Manzambi, as well as Embolo, the Swiss attack also consists of Leeds United’s Noah Okafor, who has enjoyed a good season in the Premier League, and Nottingham Forest forward Dan Ndoye.
There aren’t too many surprises or notable omissions from the squad, with Zachary Athekame of AC Milan making his charge for the tournament a bit too late into the season in Serie A, while Sassuolo full-back Ulisses Garcia, formerly of Marseille, hasn’t been involved with the national team since last summer.
