Most professional footballers would consider a single World Cup appearance a career-defining achievement. Granit Xhaka is about to make his fourth look routine.
The Swiss captain has been named in Switzerland’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It’s a milestone that cements Xhaka’s status as the most decorated and experienced player in Swiss football history.
A career built on consistency
Xhaka’s World Cup journey started in Brazil in 2014, when he was a 21-year-old midfielder still establishing himself on the international stage. Russia 2018 followed, then Qatar 2022. Now, at 33, he’s preparing for tournament number four.
The numbers tell their own story. Xhaka holds the record for the most international appearances in Swiss football history, with 146 caps as of early June 2026. He also owns the record for the most World Cup matches played by a Swiss player, with 12 appearances across those three previous tournaments.
