Xhaka makes fourth Switzerland World Cup squad

Granit Xhaka has been named in Switzerland’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking his fourth consecutive tournament. Switzerland’s most capped player with 144 appearances, Xhaka is one of four Premier League call-ups under manager Murat Yakin. The other Premier League players are Nottingham Forest striker Dan Ndoye, Leeds United forward Noah Okafor and Burnley attacker Zeki Amdouni. Yakin said Amdouni is medically 100% fit and understands his role. The squad includes 17 players who appeared at the 2022 World Cup, with Ricardo Rodriguez also set for a fourth straight tournament. Alvyn Sanches and Joel Monteiro are omitted despite earlier friendly involvement, while Christian Fassnacht and Cedric Itten are selected. Switzerland will play friendlies against Jordan and Australia before starting Group B against Qatar on 13 June.

"Xhaka, Switzerland's most capped player with 144 appearances, is one of four Premier League players called up by manager Murat Yakin. The Swiss captain is joined by Nottingham Forest striker Dan Ndoye, Leeds United forward Noah Okafor and Burnley attacker Zeki Amdouni. Amdouni has made just three substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, after retuning from a long-term knee injury earlier this month."

""Medically, he is 100% fit. He knows our system. He knows his role. That's the reason why I'm very glad he can be part of it," Yakin said of Amdouni during a press conference on Wednesday. "I think we have selected the best players for the squad and I can't wait to get going.""

"Yakin has selected an experienced 26-man squad, including 17 players who featured at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Like Xhaka, Real Betis full-back Ricardo Rodriguez will compete at his fourth World Cup in a row and will look to add to his 136 caps. Young Boys forwards Alvyn Sanches and Joel Monteiro are surprise omissions, having both been in the squad for friendly matches against Germany and Norway in March."

"Switzerland will begin their tournament preparations on Monday, with friendlies against Jordan in St Gallen on 31 May and Australia in San Diego on 6 June. They will face Qatar in Santa Clara in their opening Group B game on 13 June, followed by fixtures against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Canada. Goalkeepers: Marvin Keller (Young Boys), Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), Yvon Mvogo (Lorient)."

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