Switzerland have named a strong and experienced starting XI for their World Cup opener against Qatar, with captain Granit Xhaka set to orchestrate play from midfield.
Head coach Murat Yakin has handed starts to key veterans Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez, Remo Freuler and Breel Embolo, underlining the Swiss intent to make a winning start to their Group B campaign.
Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel starts behind a defence featuring Nico Elvedi and Akanji, while Xhaka anchors the midfield alongside Freuler and Denis Zakaria.
Further forward, Embolo is joined by Dan Ndoye, Ruben Vargas and Michel Aebischer in an attack that blends pace, creativity and physicality.
Notably, Zeki Amdouni begins on the bench despite speculation he could lead the line, giving Yakin a potent attacking option to call upon later in the match.
With a squad packed with experience from major tournaments, Switzerland will be aiming to justify their status as Group B favourites when they take on Qatar in Santa Clara.
