Xhaka Makes History: Record-Holding Captain Heads to His 4th World Cup with 144 Caps — Yakin's 26-Man Squad Revealed

The Swiss national team officially announced its squad for the 13th World Cup participation in its history. Under Murat Yakin's leadership, the Nati announced the 26-man list on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM Bern time. Because the Swiss Football Association had shared the names piece by piece via social media mini-games on May 18 and 19, some fans thought the announcement had been made earlier. According to Flashscore, Yakin's preference is clear: the principle of "experience and stability" was decisive. 17 players come from the Qatar 2022 squad, while 3 players come from the Euro 2024 squad.

Captain Granit Xhaka is the squad's brightest name. The 33-year-old Sunderland midfielder holds the title of the most-capped player in his country's history with 144 international appearances and will be participating in his 4th World Cup this year. Yakin said at the press conference: "Medically, he is 100 percent fit. He knows our system, he knows his role. That's why I'm very glad he can be part of it." Real Betis defender Ricardo Rodriguez joins Xhaka with 136 caps and will also attend his 4th World Cup. These two veterans form the backbone of the squad. 5 more players will experience their 3rd consecutive World Cup.

Star players from Europe's strongest leagues stamp their mark on the squad. According to beIN Sports, Inter Milan's defensive star Manuel Akanji, Borussia Dortmund's world-class goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, Monaco midfielder Denis Zakaria, Rennes striker Breel Embolo, Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye and Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi form the team's skeleton. According to Heavy.com, Cedric Itten, Zeki Amdouni and Christian Fassnacht were also included in the squad. Amdouni in particular returned from injury in the second half of the season and found his form in recent weeks.

Three names are in the goalkeeper section. Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund) stands out as the first choice, Yvon Mvogo (Lorient) is the experienced second goalkeeper, and Marvin Keller (Young Boys) will experience his first major tournament as a backup. According to Athlon Sports, a total of 6 players in the squad are experiencing their first major tournament: alongside Marvin Keller, the Germany-based Aurele Amenda, Cedric Itten, Luca Jaquez, Johan Manzambi and Miro Muheim. This balance shows that while Yakin prioritizes experience, he is also investing in the future.

Switzerland will face Canada, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar in Group B. The preparation program is set: the squad will gather in camp on Monday, will play a friendly against Jordan in St. Gallen on May 31. Then the team will fly to America and play their final warm-up match against Australia in San Diego on June 6. The Group B adventure will begin against Qatar in Santa Clara on June 13. According to Foot Africa's analysis, Switzerland achieved quarterfinal appearances at the 1934, 1938 and 1954 World Cups and also reached the Euro 2024 quarterfinals. Yakin's words at the press conference, "I believe we have selected the best players for the squad and I can't wait to get going," summarize this stable European team's goal of maintaining its lasting presence in major tournaments.

Source: Based on reports from Yahoo Sports, Heavy.com, beIN Sports, Yardbarker, Athlon Sports, Flashscore, Tapmad, Africa Top Sports and Foot Africa on Murat Yakin's May 20, 2026 Switzerland World Cup squad announcement.