Switzerland loses star midfielder Johan Manzambi for World Cup quarter‑final against Argentina

Switzerland’s advance to the 2026 World Cup quarter‑final in Kansas City comes with a major setback: midfielder Johan Manzambi will miss the match against Argentina after failing to recover from a knee injury sustained in training before the round‑of‑16. Coach Murat Yakin confirmed that the 20‑year‑old, who has scored three goals and provided two assists in the tournament, is still in pain and will not be cleared to play. He described the situation as a “shock” for the team.

Manzambi’s absence removes Switzerland’s most prolific attacking threat, a player who has been linked with a €60 million move to Newcastle United. Captain Granit Xhaka stressed that the Swiss side will still aim to challenge Messi’s Argentina, relying on the likes of Denis Zakaria, Djibril Sow and Ruben Vargas to fill the void. The quarter‑final will be held at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, United States, with the winner set to face the victor of the Norway‑England match.

Switzerland reached this stage for the first time since 1954, and the loss of Manzambi is expected to affect their offensive creativity and goal‑scoring chances against the defending champions.