The FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Qatar and Switzerland is set to be a significant event, showcasing both teams’ strengths and aspirations.
Switzerland’s captain Granit Xhaka and Ricardo Rodriguez, both recognized for their extensive experience, are poised to make their record 13th World Cup appearances. Meanwhile, Denis Zakaria has returned to the squad, although Silvan Widmer will not be participating in this match.
Qatar has opted for four changes from the team that earned its World Cup qualification, notably leaving out Almoez, the leading scorer in Asian qualifying. Akram Afif, a two-time Asian Player of the Year, will spearhead the attack for Qatar.
In defense, Switzerland maintains the same lineup that performed admirably in the qualifiers, allowing just two goals across six matches. Young midfielder Johan Manzambi, aged 20, will start on the bench after featuring in recent friendlies.
Qatar’s coach, Julen Lopetegui, highlighted the importance of captain Hassan Al Haydos, who, despite being an outstanding role model, will begin the match on the bench, marking his 187th cap in a substitute role.
Ricardo Rodriguez, with 138 caps, continues to be a vital presence on the field and currently plays for Betis, bringing a wealth of experience to the squad.
The anticipated formations for the match are Qatar in a 4-3-3 setup and Switzerland in a 4-2-3-1 arrangement.
Qatar’s lineup includes: Abunada, Al Oui, Ro Ro, Khouki, Ahmed, Gaber, Madibo, Laye, Junior, Abdurisag, and Afif, with substitutes Zakaria, Barsham, Lucas Mendes, Hatem, Alaaeldin, Muntari, Al Haydos, Boudiaf, Al Ganehi, Al Brake, Ali, Fatehi, Jamshid, Al Hussain, and Al Manai.
Switzerland’s starting players are: Kobel, Zakaria, Akanji, Elvedi, Aebischer, Freuler, Xhaka, Rodriguez, Ndoye, Vargas, and Embolo, with substitutes Mvogo, Keller, Muheim, Widmer, Manzambi, Jashari, Sow, Fassnacht, Comert, Okafor, Rieder, Amdouni, Amenda, Jaquez, and Itten.
The match will be officiated by referee Hector Martinez from Honduras.
“an outstanding role model both on and off the pitch, and one of the finest individuals I have had the pleasure of working with throughout my coaching career”
The build-up to this World Cup has been tumultuous for Qatar, as their preparations were impacted by the US-Iran war, leading to the cancellation of crucial friendly matches against Serbia and Argentina. Lopetegui, who took over as coach in May 2025, faced challenges with the team, which managed only one victory in 11 matches prior to the World Cup warm-up games.
Despite the obstacles, Qatar secured their World Cup spot by finishing fourth in their qualifying group and capitalizing on their home advantage to draw against Oman and defeat the UAE.
Swiss fans, on the other hand, have reasons to feel optimistic, as their team dominated the qualifying phase, finishing first in their group ahead of Kosovo, Slovenia, and Sweden with four wins and two draws. The squad features a blend of seasoned players like Xhaka, Akanji, and Rodriguez, along with younger talents such as Ndoye, Rieder, and Manzambi.
The Swiss have thus far managed to avoid significant injuries, with striker Zeki Amdouni making a recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Both teams are familiar with the World Cup stage, having participated in the previous tournament, with Qatar hosting in 2022. Switzerland, a regular qualifier, will look to improve upon their historical best finish of reaching the quarter-finals in 1954.
The match takes place at the San Francisco Bay Area, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm ET/8pm UK time.
