Switzerland announces squad, Xhaka leads the way

Granit Xhaka is expected to lead the Swiss national team in the match against Kosovo in Pristina on November 18.

Switzerland coach Murat Yakin announced the squad on Wednesday for the final two qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup. Switzerland hosts Sweden in Geneva on November 15, while on November 18 it plays Kosovo at “Fadil Vokrri”.

Captain Xhaka is in the squad and is expected to start in both matches. 

Switzerland will be without one of its best players, Remo Freuler, who plays alongside Xhaka in midfield.

Among the Albanian footballers, Adrian Bajrami and Andi Zeqiri have also been called up. 

Two rounds before the end, Switzerland leads the group with 10 points. Kosovo has seven, Slovenia three and Sweden just one. Switzerland aims to qualify directly for the World Cup by finishing first in the group. Second place leads to the play-offs. 

If Switzerland fails to beat Sweden and Kosovo wins in Ljubljana against Slovenia, the match at “Fadil Vokrri” will be a final for first place in the group and qualification for the World Cup.