FIFA World Cup 2026 Switzerland: Schedule, How to Watch, History & Record
Switzerland returns to the World Cup in 2026 for their sixth consecutive tournament. The Swiss qualified as Group B winners without conceding a single goal throughout qualifying.
Murat Yakin coached Switzerland to victories over Kosovo 4-0, Slovenia 3-0 and Sweden 2-0. The team finished ahead of Kosovo to claim the top spot and automatic qualification.
The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Switzerland faces Canada, Qatar and one European playoff team in Group B. Swiss fans can watch all matches free on SRG SSR channels.
Switzerland World Cup 2026 Schedule (Local Time)
Switzerland plays three Group B matches on the West Coast of North America. All games kick off at 21:00 Swiss time due to the time difference.
| Match | Date | Opponent | Swiss Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saturday, June 13, 2026 | Qatar | 21:00 CET | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara |
| 2 | Thursday, June 18, 2026 | UEFA Playoff Winner* | 21:00 CET | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles |
| 3 | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | Canada | 21:00 CET | BC Place, Vancouver |
*One of Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina (decided March 31, 2026)
Group B sends the top two teams directly to the Round of 32. Eight best third-place teams from all groups also advance to the knockout rounds. Switzerland needs to finish first or second to guarantee their spot in the next round.
The Round of 32 begins on June 28 if Switzerland qualifies. Knockout matches continue through July 19 when the final takes place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
How to Watch the World Cup 2026 in Switzerland
SRG SSR broadcasts all Switzerland matches free. German speakers watch on SRF zwei and SRF info. French speakers tune to RTS 2. Italian speakers follow on RSI LA 2.
Cable providers (Swisscom TV, Sunrise, Salt TV, Quickline) include these channels in standard packages. No extra subscription is needed.
Also Check: FIFA World Cup 2026 TV Rights
Live Streaming Options for Swiss Fans
Play SRF streams matches for German speakers. RTS Play provides French coverage. Play RSI offers Italian streaming. All three platforms work on computers, phones and tablets through web browsers or mobile apps.
Registration is free and takes just minutes. Swiss residents get full access to live streams and replays. The platforms also offer match highlights and analysis.
How to Listen to the World Cup 2026 in Switzerland
SRF Radio covers games on SRF 3 and SRF Sport for German listeners. RTS Radio airs matches on La Première and RTS Sport in French. RSI Radio provides Italian coverage on Rete Uno and RSI Sport.
All stations offer free online streaming through their websites and mobile apps. DAB+ digital radio provides clear reception nationwide.
Switzerland World Cup History & Record
Switzerland has played in 12 World Cups before 2026. This marks their 13th appearance and sixth straight qualification from 2006 to 2026.
Switzerland reached the quarter-finals three times: 1934, 1938 and 1954. The 1954 tournament took place in Switzerland as hosts. Their quarter-final against Austria produced the highest-scoring World Cup match ever at 7-5.
Switzerland set an unusual record at the 2006 World Cup by getting eliminated without conceding a goal. They went 559 minutes across two tournaments before Chile scored in 2010.
World Cup Statistics:
- 41 matches: 14 wins, 8 draws, 19 losses
- 56 goals scored, 72 goals conceded
- Best result: Quarter-finals (three times)
Switzerland reached the Round of 16 in their last five World Cups (2006-2022). At Qatar 2022 they beat Cameroon 1-0 and Serbia 3-2 but lost to Portugal 6-1 in the knockouts.
Xherdan Shaqiri retired in July 2024 after 125 caps and 32 goals. He scored in six consecutive major tournaments. Granit Xhaka captains the current team. Manuel Akanji anchors the defense. Breel Embolo leads the attack.
Switzerland World Cup Predictions and Analysis
Switzerland enters Group B with good chances of advancing. Qatar offers the best opportunity for three points. The 2022 hosts rank 51st in FIFA and struggled in their own tournament. Switzerland should win on June 13.
The UEFA playoff winner joins Group B after March 31, 2026. Italy would be the toughest opponent. Northern Ireland, Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina are easier matchups. Italy must win two playoff games to qualify.
Canada plays Switzerland in Vancouver on June 24 before home fans. That match likely decides first place in the group. Switzerland has more tournament experience despite Canada having talented players like Alphonso Davies.
Murat Yakin uses 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 formations. The system produced zero goals conceded in qualifying. Switzerland presses as a unit and keeps organized defensive shape. Set pieces provide another weapon with tall players.
Switzerland aims for the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954. The expanded 48-team format helps since 32 teams advance instead of 16. Even third place might be enough to continue.
Switzerland FIFA World Cup 2026 FAQs
Which teams are in Switzerland’s World Cup group?
Switzerland faces Canada, Qatar and one UEFA playoff winner in Group B. The playoff spot goes to Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. The playoff final takes place on March 31, 2026.
Can Switzerland win the World Cup in 2026?
Switzerland has never won a World Cup in their history. They rank as outsiders rather than favorites for 2026. Brazil, Argentina, France and Spain have stronger squads. Switzerland can realistically target the quarter-finals as their best possible result.
Where does Switzerland play their group matches?
All three matches take place on the West Coast. Santa Clara in California hosts the Qatar game. Los Angeles stages the playoff winner match. Vancouver in Canada features the final group game against the host nation.
Did Xherdan Shaqiri retire from Switzerland?
Yes. Shaqiri announced his retirement on July 15, 2024 after Euro 2024 ended. He scored 32 goals in 125 appearances. Shaqiri holds the record for scoring in six straight major tournaments. Switzerland must find new creative players to replace him.
What time do Switzerland matches start in Swiss time?
All three Group B matches kick off at 21:00 CET or 9:00 PM Swiss time. The six to nine hour time difference with North America means evening viewing. Swiss fans can watch during prime time rather than staying up late at night.
How many times has Switzerland qualified for the World Cup?
The 2026 tournament marks Switzerland’s 13th World Cup appearance. They qualified for six straight tournaments from 2006 to 2026. Switzerland missed the World Cup for 28 years between 1966 and 1994 before returning to regular qualification.
Who coaches Switzerland at the 2026 World Cup?
Murat Yakin leads Switzerland after taking over in August 2021. He earned a contract extension through 2026 following strong performances at Euro 2024. Yakin’s defensive system produced zero goals conceded during World Cup qualifying. He previously coached Basel and other Swiss clubs.
