It’s official: The Swiss national team has qualified for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. With a 1-1 draw in Pristina against Kosovo on Tuesday evening, the "Nati" secured the group victory and, with it, a direct ticket to the World Cup. It is their sixth consecutive World Cup appearance.
A qualification without defeat
The record is impressive: Switzerland remained unbeaten throughout six matches, celebrating four victories and two draws. They conceded only two goals. An overview of the results:
- Switzerland - Kosovo 4-0
- Switzerland - Slovenia 3-0
- Sweden - Switzerland 0-2
- Slovenia - Switzerland 0-0
- Switzerland - Sweden 4-1
- Kosovo - Switzerland 1-1
The key: start and defence
The Nati laid the foundation with a dream start in September, when they decisively defeated Kosovo and Slovenia in Basel. October followed with an important away victory in Sweden, where Granit Xhaka scored a penalty and substitute Johan Manzambi found the back of the net. After that, the defence became their hallmark: Switzerland didn't concede their first goal until the fifth match. With a 4-1 win against Sweden in Geneva, they were in a comfortable position heading into the final game.
A team in transition, yet stable
It is remarkable that the Nati achieved this qualification during a phase of transition. After the 2024 European Championship, experienced players like Xherdan Shaqiri and Yann Sommer retired. Young players like Johan Manzambi stepped up and took on responsibility. Coach Murat Yakin has succeeded in moulding experience and youth into a functional unit.
The 2026 World Cup: bigger than ever
The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in history. For the first time, 48 teams will participate instead of 32, with a total of 104 matches being played. Games will take place in 16 cities across three countries. The tournament begins on 11 June 2026 in Mexico City and ends on 19 July with the final near New York.
What happens next?
The group stage draw will take place on 5 December in Washington. We will then find out who the Nati will play in the group stage and where. Due to the new format with 48 teams, the eight best third-placed teams will advance alongside the group winners and runners-up. For the first time, there will therefore be a round of 32.
A World Cup on another continent
For Swiss fans, a World Cup in North America means long journeys and matches at unusual times. Many games will be broadcast in Switzerland late in the evening or during the night. Big-screen screenings until late at night are sure to be part of the programme in the summer of 2026.
Capitalising on "Nati" fever
A World Cup qualification always triggers a wave of enthusiasm, especially among children and teenagers. For clubs, this is an opportunity to gain new members and keep training motivation high. And for anyone wanting to work on their technique, winter is the ideal time to do so. With the VOLLEYCHAMP®, you can practise volleys and first-time finishes alone or in a team to ensure you are in shape for the World Cup summer.
Consistency as a trademark
Six World Cup finals in a row, plus regular European Championship appearances: over the last two decades, Switzerland has established itself as a permanent fixture in international football. For a country of this size, that is anything but a given. Behind it lies strong youth development in the clubs and many players who have made the leap into Europe's top leagues.
Congratulations to the Nati! We are looking forward immensely to the World Cup. Hopp Schwiiz!
