Switzerland vs. Qatar: Predicted XI for the 2026 World Cup opener
Switzerland face Qatar in their World Cup opener with an experienced side, with Amdouni potentially leading the line ahead of Embolo.
World Cup
While Xherdan Shaqiri, Yann Sommer and Fabian Schar have all retired from international football, Switzerland still boast plenty of experienced names for their Group B opener against Qatar on Saturday. Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez and Granit Xhaka remain key figures, with Remo Freuler and Silvan Widmer also expected to start.
The main selection debate centres on the attacking positions. Leading scorer Breel Embolo (24 international goals) is not guaranteed a starting berth and could begin on the bench, with Burnley's Zeki Amdouni — who has 11 goals for the national team — potentially leading the line instead. Coach Murat Yakin may also hand Dan Ndoye a starting spot, while Fabian Rieder is likely to operate in the number 10 role. Switzerland head into the match with no injury concerns.
Predicted XI: Kobel; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Xhaka, Freuler; Vargas, Rieder, Ndoye; Amdouni