Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka insists Switzerland can make a big impact at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Europeans have been drawn in a relatively easy group with co-hosts Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Qatar.
Switzerland’s First Objective
Xhaka said the first objective for Switzerland is to safely navigate the group stage.
“A must for Switzerland, and for us as a team,” the former Arsenal midfielder told FIFA.com.
But asked about what his ideal scenario would be, he says: “I love to dream, and I dream big. I’m not going to say the word that’s on my mind right now. But you can dream, you’re allowed to – and it does you good.”
Xhaka Pursing A Dream
It will be his fourth edition of the global showpiece, after Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.
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Xhaka has featured in 12 World Cup matches – a Swiss record – and has worn the captain’s armband since the end of 2019.
He also calmly brushes off the question of whether this might be his last World Cup.
“To be honest, I don’t think so. As long as I still have that hunger, that determination and, above all, my health, I want to keep playing for as long as possible,”added Xhaka.
Switzerland will open their campaign against Qatar at the Bay Arena, San Francisco on Saturday, 13 June.
Murat Yakin’s side will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in their second group game five days later at the Los Angeles Stadium.
They will round up their group stage campaign against Canada at BC Place Vancouver on 24 June.
