Granit Xhaka
SwitzerlandMidfielderSunderlandGranit Xhaka goes into World Cup 2026 as a midfielder who can shape tempo and spacing for Switzerland. He brings 145 caps and 17 goals into the tournament. Sunderland provides his recent club rhythm before the tournament. The focus is first-touch decisions, central spacing and the next pass after a regain.
Group B
Jun 13, 2026vs Qatar - 12:00 PM PDT
Quick Facts
Granit Xhaka and Switzerland World Cup 2026 Squad
Switzerland selected Granit Xhaka for World Cup 2026 with a clear football task. As a midfielder, he can give the ball a safe route forward and close central lanes when possession is lost.
Xhaka is part of a group of 9 midfielders, so the opponent and match state can affect his minutes.
International Record
Granit Xhaka brings 145 caps and 17 goals into the tournament.
Xhaka's record points to trust over time, but Switzerland will still judge the details of each match.
International Record
- International record: Granit Xhaka enters the tournament with 145 caps and 17 goals for Switzerland.
- World Cup 2026 role: Switzerland list Granit Xhaka as a midfielder, with minutes linked to form, workload and game state.
- Group opponents: Switzerland face Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada in the group stage.
Switzerland Senior Milestone
- International experience: 145 caps and 17 goals make this one of the stronger records in the squad.
Playing Style and Strengths
Xhaka's World Cup value starts with first-touch decisions, central spacing and the next pass after a regain.
Xhaka's first touch can decide whether midfield pressure becomes a problem or a chance to play forward.
- Tempo control
- Pressure resistance
- Recovery runs
- Forward passing
- Second-ball duels
- Central spacing
World Cup 2026 Fixtures
Switzerland start against Qatar on 13 June 2026 in San Francisco Bay Area. For Xhaka, the first match is a direct test of match rhythm and role clarity.
Bosnia and Herzegovina follow on 18 June 2026 in Los Angeles. For Xhaka, the second fixture can quickly change the selection picture if the opener leaves Switzerland chasing points or protecting workload.
| Kickoff | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 13, 202612:00 PM PDT | Qatar | San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area |
| Jun 18, 202612:00 PM PDT |  Bosnia and Herzegovina | Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles |
| Jun 24, 202612:00 PM PDT |  Canada | BC Place Vancouver, Vancouver |
Dates and kickoff times above are shown in the venue timezone.
Recent Form
Granit Xhaka played 34 Premier League matches for Sunderland in 2025/26, scoring 1 goal and providing 6 assists.
Xhaka's latest checked appearance came on May 31, 2026, with 61 minutes in Switzerland versus Jordan.
Career Stats
Granit Xhaka brings 145 caps and 17 goals into the tournament.
For Switzerland, the numbers guide the selection picture, but they do not replace match readiness. The opener still has to fit Xhaka's form and the opponent's plan.
| Field | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Team | Switzerland |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Club | Sunderland |
| Caps | 145 |
| Goals | 17 |
| Born | 27 September 1992 |
World Cup 2026 Role
Granit Xhaka enters World Cup 2026 with Switzerland as a midfielder. The senior record stands at 145 caps and 17 goals. Match role, form and group-stage needs will shape his minutes.
Switzerland will judge him through training rhythm before the tournament. The useful signs are ball security, passing choices and recovery runs.
Switzerland start against Qatar on Jun 13, 2026 in San Francisco Bay Area. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada come next in the group. The match order can affect workload and selection.
FAQ
Is Granit Xhaka in the Switzerland World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. Granit Xhaka is in Switzerland's World Cup 2026 squad in the checked player data.
What position does Granit Xhaka play?
He is listed as a midfielder for Switzerland.
How many international caps and goals does Granit Xhaka have?
He enters World Cup 2026 with 145 caps and 17 goals for Switzerland.
Who are Switzerland's World Cup 2026 group opponents?
Switzerland face Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada in the group stage.
When is Granit Xhaka's first World Cup 2026 match?
Switzerland start against Qatar on 13 June 2026 in San Francisco Bay Area.
What is Granit Xhaka's latest club form?
He plays for Sunderland in the checked player facts.
More Switzerland World Cup 2026 Player Profiles
Explore more Switzerland squad profiles, including teammates who can share minutes, supply service or affect the same match plan.
Group B Table
| # | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Switzerland | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| 2 | Canada | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| 3 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 3 | -1 | 4 |
| 4 | Qatar | 3 | -8 | 1 |