Switzerland's national team eyes 2026 World Cup as veteran Shaqiri retires

Switzerland enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the tournament favourites. Guided by coach Murat Yakin and led by Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka, the Swiss side finished the qualifying stage unbeaten, topping Group B after conceding only two goals in six matches against Sweden, Kosovo and Slovenia. In the World Cup draw the team will open the competition against Qatar, sharing its group with Canada and Bosnia‑Herzegovina.

Ahead of the tournament, long‑time forward Xherdan Shaqiri announced his retirement from international football in July 2024, following Switzerland’s quarter‑final penalty‑shootout loss to England at Euro 2024. Shaqiri left the national team as its third‑most capped player (125 appearances) and fourth‑highest scorer (32 goals). He subsequently left MLS side Chicago Fire and returned to his hometown club FC Basel to focus on club duties.

The squad, featuring experienced players such as Xhaka, Remo Freuler, Silvan Widmer and Ricardo Rodriguez, will look to capitalize on their veteran core in what could be the final major tournament for many of them.