World Cup 2026: Qatar vs Switzerland lineups – Akanji, Freuler & Aebischer start for the Swiss

Switzerland kick off their World Cup campaign against Qatar with a strong Serie A presence in their starting eleven.

>Manuel Akanji plays in the heart of defence, while Bologna’s Remo Freuler and Pisa’s Fabian Aebischer both start in midfield.

>Former Bologna winger Dan Ndoye starts in attack, fresh after reports of a return to Serie A with Inter, with ex-Milan and Torino defender Ricardo Rodriguez completing the back line.

>Qatar field no players with Serie A connections in their starting eleven.

>MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JUNE 10: Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, speaks to the media during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Press Conference at Mexico City Stadium on June 10, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

>Qatar: Abunada; Al-Oui, Pedro Miguel, Khoukhi, Ahmed, Laye; Gaber, Madibo, Abdurisag; Edmilson, Afif.

>Switzerland: Kobel; Akanji, Elvedi, Ricardo Rodríguez; Aebischer, Zakaria, Freuler, Xhaka; Ndoye, Vargas; Embolo.