Group B · Match 8Full time
- M. Abunada 16'
- J. Gaber 23'
- M. Muheim (OG) 90'+4'
- B. Embolo (P) 17'
- D. Zakaria 42'
Switzerland
Group BFIFA ranking #17UEFASUI
6th consecutive World Cup
Profile
Perennially underrated, Switzerland have reached the knockout rounds at four of the last five World Cups, becoming Europe's most consistent overachievers. Granit Xhaka, now at Sunderland after a decorated career at Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen — where he was instrumental in their unbeaten Bundesliga season — marshals a tactically mature, well-drilled side that is considerably better than its FIFA ranking suggests. Manuel Akanji brings Inter Milan's Champions League experience to a defence that rarely concedes. Dan Ndoye's electric pace and directness from wide positions give Switzerland a dynamic outlet that coaches struggle to contain. Coach Murat Yakin has built an impressive system that presses efficiently and transitions quickly. Switzerland should be firm favourites to top Group B alongside Canada, and experienced enough to handle the knockout stages where their tournament intelligence and tactical flexibility have caused Spain, France and other heavyweights genuine problems in recent years.
Switzerland fixtures
Group B · Match 26Full time
- N. Elvedi 65'
- J. Manzambi 74'
- R. Vargas 84'
- J. Manzambi 90'
- G. Xhaka (P) 90'+7'
- A. Dedic 59'
- E. Dzeko 61'
- T. Muharemovic 80'
- E. Mahmic 90'+3'
Group B · Match 51Full time
- G. Xhaka 32'
- R. Vargas 46'
- J. Manzambi 57'
- C. Larin 32'
- P. David 76'
- L. Millar 87'
Round of 32 · Match 85Full time
- B. Embolo 10'
- D. Ndoye 46'
- F. Chaïbi 36'
- H. Boudaoui 72'
Round of 16 · Match 96AET · Pens
- G. Xhaka 51'
- D. Zakaria 59'
- M. Muheim 105'
- G. Xhaka (P) 120'
- Z. Amdouni (P) 120'
- C. Itten (P) 120'
- R. Vargas (P) 120'
- L. Suárez 60'
- D. Sánchez 95'
- J. Quintero (P) 120'
- J. Campaz (P) 120'
- L. Díaz (P) 120'
Quarter-final · Match 100AET
- A. Mac Allister 10'
- T. Almada 97'
- L. Martínez 98'
- J. Álvarez 112'
- J. López 114'
- L. Martínez 120'+1'
- B. Embolo 44'
- D. Ndoye 67'
- B. Embolo 72'
Players to watch
Granit Xhaka
Midfielder · Sunderland
One of the most decorated Swiss players of his generation, Xhaka won the Bundesliga unbeaten with Leverkusen and served as captain at multiple major tournaments. His vision, passing range and leadership in the midfield give Switzerland a technical and organisational spine that elevates every player around him.
Manuel Akanji
Defender · Inter Milan
A composed, ball-playing centre-back who has excelled in the Champions League with Inter Milan, Akanji brings elite-level experience to the Swiss back line. His positioning, ability to drive forward from defence and calmness under pressure make him one of the most reliable defenders at this tournament.
Dan Ndoye
Forward · Nottingham Forest
An electric wide attacker with devastating pace and directness, Ndoye has developed into a genuine Premier League threat at Nottingham Forest. His ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations, combined with improving delivery and end product, makes him Switzerland's most dangerous source of width and creativity.
Group B table
Group B
Top 2 advance · best 3rds may qualify| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Switzerland | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | +4 | 7 |
| 2Canada | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | +5 | 4 |
| 3Bosnia and Herzegovina | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -1 | 4 |
| 4Qatar | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | -8 | 1 |