Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka is the Switzerland captain and a deep-lying midfielder named in the 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, in Murat Yakin's selection announced on 20 May 2026. He is 33 at kick-off and is Switzerland's most-capped player, bringing 144 senior caps and 16 international goals into the tournament. He plays his club football for Sunderland.

Switzerland qualified as winners of their UEFA group and were drawn in Group B with Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar, opening against Qatar in Santa Clara on 13 June. The 2026 tournament is his fourth World Cup, the latest stage of a long international career spent leading the side. His passing and tempo from deep, alongside Remo Freuler, give the team much of its midfield base.

Xhaka is a left-footed, deep-lying midfielder valued for his passing range and for controlling the tempo from deep. As the long-serving leader of the side, he organises play from a deeper midfield role.

Alongside Remo Freuler he forms a double pivot that gives Switzerland defensive balance and denies opponents space in central areas. His job is to keep the ball moving and protect the back line rather than to push high up the pitch.

As Switzerland's captain and most-capped player, Xhaka gives the £10m slot a deep-lying midfielder with 144 caps and 16 goals behind him. Switzerland carry a Tier 4 tag at £10m, in as winners of their UEFA group, facing Canada, Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina across Group B.

With Xhaka in midfield, the return is control and organisation — the passing base of the Freuler double pivot, with the experience of a player at his fourth World Cup.