Switzerland picks fit-again forward Zeki Amdouni in 2026 World Cup squad led by Granit Xhaka, Full List of players

Switzerland have included forward Zeki Amdouni in their World Cup squad despite the Burnley striker barely playing this season after recovering from a serious ACL injury. Amdouni only recently returned to action and has played less than an hour of football overall since coming back, but coach Murat Yakin still showed faith in the 24-year-old because of his strong international record.

Amdouni has scored 11 goals in 27 appearances for Switzerland and is expected to add depth to an attacking group heading into the tournament. Switzerland are viewed as one of the favorites in a group featuring Canada, Qatar and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Captain Granit Xhaka will lead the team into his fourth consecutive World Cup, extending his national appearance record. Yakin also made a few surprise selections, including Christian Fassnacht and Cedric Itten, who have barely featured for the national side in recent years.

Inter Milan defender Manuel Akanji arrives after helping his club win the Serie A title, while young midfielder Johan Manzambi is emerging as one of Switzerland’s most exciting talents. The 20-year-old impressed during friendlies against Mexico and the United States last year, scoring in a convincing win over the Americans.

Switzerland also revealed the squad in a creative way, unveiling the 26 players through a social media campaign where fans had to spot the names hidden inside photos of everyday Swiss workplaces.

Switzerland FIFA World Cup squad 2026, Full List of players

Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), Yvon Mvogo (Lorient), Marvin Keller (Young Boys)

Defenders: Manuel Akanji (Inter Milan), Nico Elvedi (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Ricardo Rodriguez (Real Betis), Silvan Widmer (Mainz), Miro Muheim (Hamburger SV), Aurèle Amenda (Eintracht Frankfurt), Eray Cömert (Valencia), Luca Jaquez (Stuttgart)

Midfielders: Granit Xhaka (Sunderland), Johan Manzambi (Freiburg), Remo Freuler (Bologna), Denis Zakaria (Monaco), Ardon Jashari (AC Milan), Djibril Sow (Sevilla), Christian Fassnacht (Young Boys), Michel Aebischer (Pisa), Fabian Rieder (Augsburg), Rubén Vargas (Sevilla)

Forwards: Breel Embolo (Rennes), Noah Okafor (Leeds), Dan Ndoye (Nottingham Forest), Zeki Amdouni (Burnley), Cedric Itten (Fortuna Dusseldorf)