Granit Xhaka

All-time FIFA World Cup appearances: 18

All-time FIFA World Cup goals: 3

FIFA World Cup 2026 appearances: 6

FIFA World Cup 2026 goals: 1

International appearances: 152

International goals: 18

International debut: 4 June 2011 vs England, UEFA Euro qualifying 2012

Club: Sunderland AFC (ENG)

*data correct up to the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026

Having moved to Sunderland last season, former Bundesliga winner Granit Xhaka has evolved into a cool and calm head in the middle of the park and his experience helped the newly-promoted Black Cats qualify for Europe in the Premier League last season. Having endured a mixed time of it at Arsenal for large parts, his final couple of seasons saw him establish himself as a key man for a title challenger at the Gunners before an extremely impressive stint in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen, which saw him lead them to their first ever Bundesliga title. The Switzerland captain remains the key man in midfield for a Swiss team that will be confident of a strong FIFA World Cup 2026 after an impressive showing at UEFA EURO 2024.