Switzerland’s football team faces significant challenges in the upcoming World Cup qualification, with captain Granit Xhaka emphasizing the emotional stakes against Kosovo, a team they have yet to defeat. National team director Pierluigi Tami expresses optimism for a first victory. Coach Murat Yakin acknowledges tough competition from Sweden and Slovenia, both possessing strong squads. With the qualification period starting in September, Switzerland aims for success, knowing that play-offs could serve as a backup for World Cup entry.
Challenges Ahead for Swiss Football Team
When Switzerland’s third opponent was revealed in the World Cup qualification draw, captain Granit Xhaka likely felt a surge of adrenaline: Kosovo is back on the horizon. “We have never managed to secure a win against Kosovo,” Xhaka remarked. He described Kosovo as “a formidable team, and it always holds a special significance for me and my family.”
In their recent European Championship qualifying campaign in Germany, Switzerland faced Kosovo as well. The encounters in Pristina and Basel resulted in draws, and a friendly match in 2022 ended in a 1:1 stalemate. The emotional dynamics surrounding these matches have always been complex for Xhaka and his former teammate Xherdan Shaqiri.
New Opportunities and Strong Rivals
After the draw at the Home of FIFA on Zurichberg, national team director Pierluigi Tami expressed optimism, stating, “We are well-acquainted with the Kosovo team. Now, we have a chance to achieve our first victory.” Several players on the Kosovo national squad have ties to Switzerland, either playing in the Swiss league or starting their careers in the Super League.
Despite being drawn from the weakest pot, Kosovo is viewed as a challenging opponent for the Swiss team. “We have faced the strongest opponent from each pot,” noted coach Murat Yakin. He affirmed his team’s intent to “embrace the role of favorites,” although the notion of favoritism in this group could vary widely. Tami, with a smile, remarked, “There are no favorites here; we’ll see which team performs best on the pitch.”
Sweden poses a significant threat. Even though they missed the European Championship in Germany and the World Cup in Qatar, they recently climbed back to Group B in the Nations League. With top talents like 26-year-old Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon and 25-year-old Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, the Swedes have what Switzerland currently lacks: two high-caliber strikers. Their combined market value stands at an impressive 145 million francs, while the entire Swiss squad is valued at 172 million. The memory of their 0:1 defeat in the 2018 World Cup round of 16 still lingers for players like Xhaka and Manuel Akanji.
Slovenia, the third contender, recently showcased strong performances in the European Championship, only bowing out in a penalty shootout in the round of 16 against Portugal. With world-class goalkeeper Jan Oblak from Atlético Madrid leading a defensively robust team and promising young striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in their ranks, Slovenia presents another formidable challenge.
As the qualification period kicks off in September, Yakin has scheduled two friendly matches in March and June to refine his squad. The previous Nations League campaign, marred by four defeats and two draws, left much to be desired, but Tami reassured that they are focused on “drawing the right conclusions” and getting back into form for the European Championship.
Should the Swiss team falter in securing a group win, the play-offs may provide an alternative route to World Cup qualification. Over the past twenty years, they’ve only missed one major tournament—the 2012 European Championship in Poland and Ukraine—an impressive feat for a small nation. “World Cup qualification must be our target,” stated Tami.
The next World Cup is set to commence on June 11, 2026, with the number of participating teams expanding from 32 to 48. The preliminary stages will still utilize a group format, with venues spread across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The opening match will be held at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, culminating in the final at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey, near New York City.
The European qualifying groups for the 2026 World Cup feature Switzerland alongside Sweden, Slovenia, and Kosovo. Here’s the upcoming schedule: September 5 – Switzerland vs. Kosovo, September 8 – Switzerland vs. Slovenia, October 10 – Sweden vs. Switzerland, October 13 – Slovenia vs. Switzerland, November 15 – Switzerland vs. Sweden, and November 18 – Kosovo vs. Switzerland.