Switzerland qualifies for the 2026 World Cup almost without a hitch. The national team impresses in a challenging group, even if there remains a sometimes dangerous dependency on key players.
19.11.2025, 11:56
19.11.2025, 12:10
SDA
When the qualifying group was drawn last December, reactions were mixed. The tenor among association officials and the media was that Switzerland, who had been drawn from pot 1, had been drawn into a difficult group. "Mistakes are practically not allowed," warns national team director Pierluigi Tami. But at this point, a Nations League campaign characterized by shortcomings lies behind the team.
Eleven months later, Switzerland are living up to their role as favorites - and impressively so. Early qualification beckoned after just the fourth game, but the surprisingly strong Kosovars kept the tension high almost to the end. However, Switzerland never really looked in danger. Compared to the previous autumn, they appeared more composed and were particularly impressive defensively: after conceding 14 goals in six Nations League games, they only conceded two in the entire World Cup qualifying campaign.
The transformation
It is not easy for those involved to explain this transformation. However, the keyword USA comes up frequently. When the association announced the two test matches in the United States in June, the plans raised eyebrows: a long trip for two test matches at the end of a long season initially seemed like a burdensome compulsory exercise.
But Yakin and his team have a clear plan. Away from the hustle and bustle at home, the team is to be prepared for the tasks ahead. With a mental coach, the players discuss what has made them stand out in recent years. The fact that Switzerland has reached every major tournament after missing out on the 2012 European Championship is extraordinary and cannot be explained by the quality of the squad alone. Unity and determination were decisive factors.
The team also displayed these qualities when it counted. Potential sideshows such as the international transfers of Leon Avdullahu and Albian Hajdari or the public complaints of Noah Okafor, who is no longer available, are hardly given any weight. The focus is solely on the common goal. Just how important these supposedly soft factors are can be seen in the example of Sweden: The team with the highest market value in the group never finds unity - and clearly fails.
The discovery
In qualifying, Yakin largely relies on experienced players who have known each other for years. At the same time, he manages to bring in new players. Johan Manzambi stands out in particular. The 20-year-old made his debut in June, scored on his second appearance and contributed a further two goals in the qualifiers. The SC Freiburg midfielder brings a carefree attitude that is good for the sometimes cerebral team. He has the potential to play an important role at the World Cup.
Other talents such as defenders Luca Jaquez, Adrian Bajrami and Aurèle Amenda will be introduced more carefully. After all, experience and familiarity are key values, especially in defense. Silvan Widmer (32), Nico Elvedi (29), Manuel Akanji (30) and Ricardo Rodriguez (33) form a stable back four that - as demanded by Tami - remains almost flawless. Together with the equally experienced Xhaka and Remo Freuler (both 33) in defensive midfield, they are also convincing in the build-up play. It is not without reason that Yakin says his team has "Zone 1" under control like hardly any other national team.
The challenge
Consistency has been an advantage in this qualifying campaign. Eight players were in the starting eleven in all games. But this is also a risk. The balance can quickly tip if players drop out. In other words, the Swiss national team is heavily dependent on its key players.
While Yakin has a wide range of options in midfield, the alternatives in other positions are less convincing. If Breel Embolo is absent, for example, it is not clear who will replace him in the center of attack. In Andi Zeqiri and Cedric Itten, Yakin has recently offered solid wild cards, but they are unlikely to be able to do much more than play this role. In this context, hopes are pinned above all on Zeki Amdouni, who missed the entire qualifying campaign due to a cruciate ligament rupture. It remains to be seen whether the relationship with Noah Okafor can be stabilized before the World Cup - although he too must first prove that he can play consistently at a high level.
In order to reach the knockout phase of the World Cup again and perhaps even set his sights on the quarter-finals, Yakin will need more than just a strong starting eleven. He also needs substitutes who can provide impetus. Talents such as striker Alessandro Vogt or defenders Zachary Athekame (both 20) and Sascha Britschgi (19) could be an issue in the coming months. Their development at the clubs will have to be closely monitored.
If Yakin succeeds in strengthening his team in a targeted manner, a lot is possible at the World Cup. He himself has been saying for some time: "We can beat any team."
