Switzerland at the FIFA World Cup

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Switzerland vs Costa Rica match in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

The FIFA World Cup, sometimes called the Football World Cup, but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the sport's global governing body. The championship has been awarded every four years since the first tournament in 1930, except in 1942 and 1946 due to World War II.

The tournament consists of two parts, the qualification phase and the final phase (officially called the World Cup Finals). The qualification phase, which currently take place over the three years preceding the Finals, is used to determine which teams qualify for the Finals. The current format of the Finals involves 48 teams competing for the title, at venues within the host nation (or nations) over a period of about a month. The World Cup final is the most widely viewed sporting event in the world, with an estimated 715.1 million people watching the 2006 tournament final.

Switzerland have appeared in the finals of the World Cup on twelve occasions. They have reached the quarter-finals three times, in 1934, 1938 and 1954.

World Cup record

Switzerland's record at FIFA World Cups:[1]

Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA
Uruguay 1930Did not enter
Italy 1934Quarter-finals7th210155
France 19387th311155
Brazil 1950Group stage6th311146
Switzerland 1954Quarter-finals8th42021111
Sweden 1958Did not qualify
Chile 1962Group stage16th300328
England 196616th300319
Mexico 1970Did not qualify
West Germany 1974
Argentina 1978
Spain 1982
Mexico 1986
Italy 1990
United States 1994Round of 1616th411257
France 1998Did not qualify
South Korea Japan 2002
Germany 2006Round of 1610th422040
South Africa 2010Group stage19th311111
Brazil 2014Round of 1611th420277
Russia 201814th412155
Qatar 202212th420259
Canada Mexico United States 2026Round of 32TBD321073
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total:13/23Quarter-finals7th44169196276
*Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

By match

World Cup Round Opponent Score Result Location Switzerland scorers
1934Round of 16 Netherlands3–2WMilanKielholz (2), Abegglen
Quarter-finals Czechoslovakia2–3LTurinKielholz, Jäggi
1938Round of 16 Germany1–1 (a.e.t.)DParisAbegglen
 Germany (replay)4–2WParisWalaschek, Bickel, Abegglen (2)
Quarter-finals Hungary0–2LLille—
1950Group 1 Yugoslavia0–3LBelo Horizonte—
 Brazil2–2DSão PauloFatton (2)
 Mexico2–1WPorto AlegreBader, Antenen
1954Group 2 Italy2–1WLausanneBallaman, Hügi
 England0–2LBern—
 Italy (play-off)4–1WBaselHügi (2), Ballaman, Fatton
Quarter-final Austria5–7LLausanneBallaman (2), Hügi (3)
1962Group 2 Chile1–3LSantiagoWüthrich
 West Germany1–2LSantiagoSchneiter
 Italy0–3LSantiago—
1966Group 2 West Germany0–5LSheffield—
 Spain1–2LSheffieldQuentin
 Argentina0–2LSheffield—
1994Group A United States1–1DPontiacBregy
 Romania4–1WPontiacSutter, Chapuisat, Knup (2)
 Colombia0–2LPalo Alto—
Round of 16 Spain0–3LWashington—
2006Group G France0–0DStuttgart—
 Togo2–0WDortmundFrei, Barnetta
 South Korea2–0WHanoverSenderos, Frei
Round of 16 Ukraine0–0 (a.e.t.)
(0–3 p)		DCologne—
2010Group H Spain1–0WDurbanFernandes
 Chile0–1LPort Elizabeth—
 Honduras0–0DBloemfontein—
2014Group E Ecuador2–1WBrasíliaMehmedi, Seferovic
 France2–5LSalvadorDžemaili, Xhaka
 Honduras3–0WManausShaqiri (3)
Round of 16 Argentina0–1 (a.e.t.)LSão Paulo—
2018Group E Brazil1–1DRostov-on-DonZuber
 Serbia2–1WKaliningradXhaka, Shaqiri
 Costa Rica2–2DNizhny NovgorodDžemaili, Drmić
Round of 16 Sweden0–1LSaint Petersburg—
2022Group G Cameroon1–0WAl WakrahEmbolo
 Brazil0–1LDoha—
 Serbia3–2WDohaShaqiri, Embolo, Freuler
Round of 16 Portugal1–6LLusailAkanji
2026Group B Qatar1–1DSanta ClaraEmbolo
 Bosnia and Herzegovina4–1WInglewoodManzambi (2), Vargas, Xhaka
 Canada2–1WVancouverVargas, Manzambi
Round of 32 AlgeriavVancouver

Match records

1934 FIFA World Cup

The group stage used in the first World Cup was discarded in favour of a straight knockout tournament.

Switzerland 3–2 Netherlands
Kielholz 7', 43'[2]
Abegglen 69'		 Report Smit 19'
Vente 84'
Attendance: ~40,000
Referee: Ivan Eklind (Sweden)
Czechoslovakia 3–2  Switzerland
Svoboda 24'
Sobotka 49'
Nejedlý 82'		 Report Kielholz 18'
Jäggi 78'
Attendance: ~12,000

1938 FIFA World Cup

Switzerland 1–1 (a.e.t.) Germany
Abegglen 43' Report Gauchel 29'
Attendance: 27,162
Germany 2–4  Switzerland
Hahnemann 8'
Lörtscher red-colored football 22' (o.g.)		 Report Walaschek 42'
Bickel 64'
Abegglen 75', 78'
Attendance: 20,265
Referee: Ivan Eklind (Sweden)
Switzerland 0–2 Hungary
Report Sárosi 40'
Zsengellér 89'[3]
Attendance: 14,000
Referee: Rinaldo Barlassina (Italy)

1950 FIFA World Cup

Team Pld W D L GF GA Pts
 Brazil 3210825
 Yugoslavia 3201734
  Switzerland 3111463
 Mexico 30032100
Yugoslavia 3 – 0  Switzerland
Mitić 59'
Tomašević 70'
Ognjanov 75'		 Report
Attendance: 7,500
Brazil 2 – 2  Switzerland
Alfredo 3'
Baltazar 32'		 Report Fatton 17', 88'
Attendance: 42,000
Switzerland 2 – 1 Mexico
Bader 10'
Antenen 44'		 Report Casarín 89'
Attendance: 4,000
Referee: Ivan Eklind (Sweden)

1954 FIFA World Cup

Switzerland hosted the tournament in 1954 and reached the quarter-final for a third time, where the team was beaten 7–5 by neighbouring Austria.

Team Pld W D L GF GA Pts
 England 2110643
  Switzerland 2101232
 Italy 2101532
 Belgium 2011581
  • Switzerland finished ahead of Italy by winning a play-off
Switzerland 2–1 Italy
Ballaman 18'
Hügi 78'		 Report Boniperti 44'
Attendance: 43,000
Referee: Mario Vianna (Brazil)
England 2–0  Switzerland
Mullen 43'
Wilshaw 69'		 Report
Attendance: 50,000
Referee: Istvan Zsolt (Hungary)
Switzerland 4–1 Italy
Hügi 14', 85'
Ballaman 48'
Fatton 90'		 Report Nesti 67'
Attendance: 30,000
Referee: Benjamin Griffiths (Wales)
Austria 7–5  Switzerland
Wagner 25', 27', 53'
R. Körner 26', 34'
Ocwirk 32'
Probst 76'		 Report Ballaman 16', 39'
Hügi 17', 19', 58'
Attendance: 35,000
Referee: Charlie Faultless (Scotland)

1962 FIFA World Cup

After missing out on the previous tournament, Switzerland qualified for the 1962 edition, held in Chile. Unfortunately, they finished at the bottom of Group 2 without a single point, having lost all their matches.

Team Pld W D L GF GA GAv Pts
 West Germany 3210414.005
 Chile 3201531.674
 Italy 3111321.503
  Switzerland 3003280.250
Chile 3–1  Switzerland
L. Sánchez 44', 55'
Ramírez 51'		 Report Wüthrich 6'
Attendance: 65,000
West Germany 2–1  Switzerland
Brülls 45'
Seeler 59'		 Report Schneiter 73'
Attendance: 64,922
Italy 3–0  Switzerland
Mora 1'
Bulgarelli 65', 67'		 Report
Attendance: 59,828

1966 FIFA World Cup

Despite securing back-to-back qualification for the FIFA World Cups, Switzerland's performance in the 1966 edition was far more abysmal. They lost all of their matches once more, including a 5-0 walloping by eventual runners-up West Germany in their opening game. To date, this remains as Switzerland's worst performance.

This was also Switzerland's last FIFA World Cup campaign in 28 years, as their next appearance at the tournament would come in the 1994 edition.

Team Pld W D L GF GA GAv Pts
 West Germany 3210717.005
 Argentina 3210414.005
 Spain 3102450.802
  Switzerland 3003190.110
West Germany 5–0  Switzerland
Held 16'
Haller 21', 77' (pen.)
Beckenbauer 40', 52'		 Report
Attendance: 36,000
Spain 2–1  Switzerland
Sanchís 57'
Amancio 75'		 Report Quentin 31'
Attendance: 32,000
Argentina 2–0  Switzerland
Artime 52'
Onega 79'		 Report
Attendance: 32,000

1994 FIFA World Cup

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Romania 3 2 0 1 5 5 0 6 Advance to knockout stage
2   Switzerland 3 1 1 1 5 4 +1 4
3  United States (H) 3 1 1 1 3 3 0 4
4  Colombia 3 1 0 2 4 5 −1 3
Source: FIFA
(H) Hosts
United States 1–1  Switzerland
Wynalda 45' Report Bregy 39'
Attendance: 73,425
United States
Switzerland
GK1Tony Meola (c)
SW17Marcelo Balboa
RB4Cle Kooiman
CB22Alexi Lalas
LB20Paul Caligiuri
RM9Tab Ramos
CM16Mike Sorber
CM5Thomas Dooley
LM6John HarkesYellow card 89'
CF8Earnie Stewartdownward-facing red arrow 81'
CF11Eric Wynaldadownward-facing red arrow 58'
Substitutions:
FW10Roy Wegerleupward-facing green arrow 58'
FW13Cobi Jonesupward-facing green arrow 81'
Manager:
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Bora Milutinović
GK1Marco Pascolo
SW5Alain Geiger (c)
RB2Marc Hottiger
CB4Dominique HerrYellow card 26'
LB3Yvan Quentin
CM6Georges Bregy
CM10Ciriaco Sforzadownward-facing red arrow 77'
RW8Christophe Ohrel
AM16Thomas Bickeldownward-facing red arrow 72'
LW7Alain Sutter
CF11Stéphane Chapuisat
Substitutions:
FW14Nestor SubiatYellow card 82'upward-facing green arrow 72'
MF21Thomas Wyssupward-facing green arrow 77'
Manager:
England Roy Hodgson

Assistant referees:
Ernesto Taibi (Argentina)
Venancio Zarate (Paraguay)
Fourth official:
Ernesto Filippi (Uruguay)

Romania 1–4  Switzerland
Hagi 35' Report Sutter 16'
Chapuisat 52'
Knup 65', 72'
Attendance: 61,428
Referee: Neji Jouini (Tunisia)
Romania
Switzerland
GK12Bogdan Stelea
DF2Dan Petrescu
DF3Daniel Prodan
DF4Miodrag BelodediciYellow card 47'
MF5Ioan LupescuYellow card 40'downward-facing red arrow 85'
MF6Gheorghe Popescu
MF7Dorinel Munteanu
FW9Florin Răducioiu
MF10Gheorghe Hagi (c)
MF11Ilie Dumitrescudownward-facing red arrow 70'
DF14Gheorghe MihaliYellow card 32'
Substitutions:
MF15Basarab Panduruupward-facing green arrow 85'
FW16Ion VlădoiuRed card 73'upward-facing green arrow 70'
Manager:
Anghel Iordănescu
GK1Marco Pascolo
DF2Marc Hottiger
DF3Yvan Quentin
DF4Dominique Herr
DF5Alain Geiger (c)
MF6Georges Bregy
MF7Alain Sutterdownward-facing red arrow 71'
DF8Christophe Ohreldownward-facing red arrow 83'
FW9Adrian Knup
MF10Ciriaco Sforza
FW11Stéphane Chapuisat
Substitutions:
MF16Thomas Bickelupward-facing green arrow 71'
MF20Patrick Sylvestreupward-facing green arrow 83'
Manager:
England Roy Hodgson

Assistant referees:
Abdel-Magid Hassan (Egypt)
Davoud Fanaei (Iran)
Fourth official:
Joël Quiniou (France)

Note: Switzerland's fourth goal is also credited to Georges Bregy.

Switzerland 0–2 Colombia
Report Gaviria 44'
Lozano 90'
Attendance: 83,401
Switzerland
Colombia
GK1Marco Pascolo
DF2Marc Hottiger
DF3Yvan Quentin
DF4Dominique Herr
DF5Alain Geiger (c)
MF6Georges BregyYellow card 85'
MF7Alain Sutterdownward-facing red arrow 82'
DF8Christophe Ohrel
FW9Adrian KnupYellow card 39'downward-facing red arrow 82'
MF10Ciriaco Sforza
FW11Stéphane Chapuisat
Substitutions:
FW14Nestor Subiatupward-facing green arrow 82'
FW15Marco Grassiupward-facing green arrow 82'
Manager:
England Roy Hodgson
GK1Óscar Córdoba
DF2Andrés Escobar
DF3Alexis Mendoza
DF4Luis Fernando Herrera
MF5Hernán GaviriaYellow card 58'downward-facing red arrow 79'
MF10Carlos Valderrama (c)Yellow card 62'
FW11Adolfo Valenciadownward-facing red arrow 64'
MF14Leonel ÁlvarezYellow card 80'
MF19Freddy Rincón
DF20Wilson Pérez
FW21Faustino Asprilla
Substitutions:
FW7Antony de Ávilaupward-facing green arrow 64'
MF8John Harold Lozanoupward-facing green arrow 79'
Manager:
Francisco Maturana

Assistant referees:
Carl-Johan Meyer Christensen (Denmark)
Douglas Micael James (Trinidad and Tobago)
Fourth official:
Arturo Brizio Carter (Mexico)

Spain 3–0  Switzerland
Hierro 15'
Luis Enrique 74'
Begiristain 86' (pen.)		 Report
Attendance: 53,121
Spain
Switzerland
GK1Andoni Zubizarreta (c)
DF2Albert FerrerYellow card 19'
DF4Paco CamarasaYellow card 22'
DF5Abelardo
DF6Fernando Hierrodownward-facing red arrow 76'
MF7Andoni GoikoetxeaYellow card 18'downward-facing red arrow 61'
MF10José Mari Bakero
DF12Sergi
DF18Rafael Alkorta
MF20Miguel Ángel Nadal
MF21Luis Enrique
Substitutions:
MF11Txiki Begiristainupward-facing green arrow 61'
DF3Jorge OteroYellow card 87'upward-facing green arrow 76'
Manager:
Javier Clemente
GK1Marco PascoloYellow card 85'
DF2Marc HottigerYellow card 23'
DF3Yvan Quentindownward-facing red arrow 58'
DF4Dominique Herr
DF5Alain Geiger (c)
MF6Georges Bregy
DF8Christophe Ohreldownward-facing red arrow 73'
FW9Adrian Knup
MF10Ciriaco Sforza
FW11Stéphane Chapuisat
MF16Thomas Bickel
Substitutions:
DF19Jürg StuderYellow card 69'upward-facing green arrow 58'
FW14Nestor SubiatYellow card 77'upward-facing green arrow 73'
Manager:
England Roy Hodgson

2006 FIFA World Cup

The Swiss line-up against China, just before World Cup 2006

The World Cup 2006 in Germany was the first World Cup for Switzerland since their participation at the World Cup 1994. After finishing second behind France in qualifying group 4, they defeated Turkey in the play-off round 2–0 and 4–2 to qualify for the main tournament.

In the group stage, they played again against France. The game played in Stuttgart ended in a goalless draw. After defeating Togo 2–0 in Dortmund and South Korea also 2–0 in Hannover, they finished first in group G and qualified for the knockout stage. In the second round of the tournament, they faced Ukraine in Cologne. The game had to be decided in a penalty shootout since no goal was scored after 120 minutes. Ukraine won the shootout 3–0. Switzerland was the only team in tournament not to have conceded a goal during regulation time in their matches. Switzerland's top scorer at the tournament was Alexander Frei with two goals. When Switzerland lost 3–0 on penalties, that was the first time that a team lost on penalties without scoring a single goal in the penalties.

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1   Switzerland 3 2 1 0 4 0 +4 7 Advance to knockout stage
2  France 3 1 2 0 3 1 +2 5
3  South Korea 3 1 1 1 3 4 −1 4
4  Togo 3 0 0 3 1 6 −5 0
Source: FIFA
Rules for classification: Tie-breaking criteria

All times local (CEST/UTC+2)

France 0–0  Switzerland
Report
Attendance: 52,000
France
Switzerland
GK16Fabien Barthez
RB19Willy SagnolYellow card 90+3'
CB15Lilian Thuram
CB5William Gallas
LB3Eric AbidalYellow card 64'
CM4Patrick Vieira
CM6Claude Makélélé
RW22Franck Ribérydownward-facing red arrow 70'
AM10Zinedine Zidane (c)Yellow card 72'
LW11Sylvain Wiltorddownward-facing red arrow 84'
CF12Thierry Henry
Substitutions:
FW14Louis Sahaupward-facing green arrow 70'
MF8Vikash Dhorasooupward-facing green arrow 84'
Manager:
Raymond Domenech
GK1Pascal Zuberbühler
RB23Philipp DegenYellow card 56'
CB20Patrick Müllerdownward-facing red arrow 75'
CB4Philippe Senderos
LB3Ludovic MagninYellow card 42'
DM6Johann Vogel (c)
RM16Tranquillo Barnetta
LM8Raphaël Wickydownward-facing red arrow 82'
AM7Ricardo CabanasYellow card 72'
CF9Alexander FreiYellow card 90+3'
CF11Marco StrellerYellow card 45'downward-facing red arrow 57'
Substitutions:
FW10Daniel Gygaxupward-facing green arrow 57'
DF2Johan Djourouupward-facing green arrow 75'
MF5Xavier Margairazupward-facing green arrow 82'
Manager:
Köbi Kuhn

Man of the Match:
Claude Makélélé (France)

Assistant referees:
Nikolay Golubev (Russia)
Evgueni Volnin (Russia)
Fourth official:
Kevin Stott (United States)
Fifth official:
Gregory Barkey (United States)

Togo 0–2  Switzerland
Report Frei 16'
Barnetta 88'
Attendance: 65,000
Togo
Switzerland
GK16Kossi Agassa
RB5Massamasso Tchangai (c)
CB2Daré Nibombé
CB13Richmond Forson
LB23Assimiou Touré
DM15Alaixys RomaoYellow card 53'
RM9Thomas Dossevidownward-facing red arrow 69'
CM10Mamam Cherif Tourédownward-facing red arrow 87'
LM8Kuami Agbohdownward-facing red arrow 25'
SS4Emmanuel AdebayorYellow card 47'
CF17Mohamed Kader
Substitutions:
FW7Moustapha SalifouYellow card 45'upward-facing green arrow 25'
FW18Yao Junior Senayaupward-facing green arrow 69'
FW11Robert Malmupward-facing green arrow 87'
Manager:
Germany Otto Pfister
GK1Pascal Zuberbühler
RB23Philipp Degen
CB20Patrick Müller
CB4Philippe Senderos
LB3Ludovic Magnin
DM6Johann Vogel (c)Yellow card 90+2'
RM16Tranquillo Barnetta
LM8Raphaël Wicky
AM7Ricardo Cabanasdownward-facing red arrow 77'
CF9Alexander Freidownward-facing red arrow 87'
CF10Daniel Gygaxdownward-facing red arrow 46'
Substitutions:
MF22Hakan Yakinupward-facing green arrow 46'
FW11Marco Strellerupward-facing green arrow 77'
FW18Mauro Lustrinelliupward-facing green arrow 87'
Manager:
Köbi Kuhn

Man of the Match:
Alexander Frei (Switzerland)

Assistant referees:
Amelio Andino (Paraguay)
Manuel Bernal (Paraguay)
Fourth official:
Mohamed Guezzaz (Morocco)
Fifth official:
Brahim Djezzar (Algeria)

Switzerland 2–0 South Korea
Senderos 23'
Frei 77'		 Report
Attendance: 43,000
Switzerland
Korea Republic
GK1Pascal Zuberbühler
RB23Philipp Degen
CB20Patrick Müller
CB4Philippe SenderosYellow card 43'downward-facing red arrow 53'
LB17Christoph SpycherYellow card 82'
DM6Johann Vogel (c)
RM16Tranquillo Barnetta
LM8Raphaël WickyYellow card 69'downward-facing red arrow 88'
AM7Ricardo Cabanas
SS22Hakan YakinYellow card 55'downward-facing red arrow 71'
CF9Alexander Frei
Substitutions:
DF2Johan DjourouYellow card 90'upward-facing green arrow 53'
MF5Xavier Margairazupward-facing green arrow 71'
MF19Valon Behramiupward-facing green arrow 88'
Manager:
Köbi Kuhn
GK1Lee Woon-jae (c)
RB12Lee Young-pyodownward-facing red arrow 63'
CB4Choi Jin-cheulYellow card 78'
CB6Kim Jin-kyuYellow card 37'
LB3Kim Dong-jin
RM17Lee Ho
CM5Kim Nam-il
LM10Park Chu-youngYellow card 23'downward-facing red arrow 66'
AM14Lee Chun-sooYellow card 80'
AM7Park Ji-sung
CF19Cho Jae-jin
Substitutions:
FW9Ahn Jung-hwanYellow card 78'upward-facing green arrow 63'
FW11Seol Ki-hyeonupward-facing green arrow 66'
Manager:
Netherlands Dick Advocaat

Man of the Match:
Alexander Frei (Switzerland)

Assistant referees:
Darío García (Argentina)
Rodolfo Otero (Argentina)
Fourth official:
Essam Abd El Fatah (Egypt)
Fifth official:
Dramane Danté (Mali)

Switzerland
Ukraine
GK1Pascal Zuberbühler
RB23Philipp Degen
CB20Patrick Müller
CB2Johan Djouroudownward-facing red arrow 34'
LB3Ludovic Magnin
DM6Johann Vogel (c)
RM16Tranquillo BarnettaYellow card 59'
LM8Raphaël Wicky
AM7Ricardo Cabanas
SS22Hakan Yakindownward-facing red arrow 64'
CF9Alexander Freidownward-facing red arrow 117'
Substitutions:
DF13Stéphane Grichtingupward-facing green arrow 34'
FW11Marco Strellerupward-facing green arrow 64'
FW18Mauro Lustrinelliupward-facing green arrow 117'
Manager:
Köbi Kuhn
GK1Oleksandr Shovkovskyi
CB9Oleh Husyev
CB17Vladislav Vashchuk
CB2Andriy Nesmachniy
RM8Oleh Shelayev
CM14Andriy Husin
LM4Anatoliy Tymoschuk
AM16Andriy Vorobeidownward-facing red arrow 94'
AM19Maksym Kalynychenkodownward-facing red arrow 75'
SS10Andriy Voronindownward-facing red arrow 111'
CF7Andriy Shevchenko (c)
Substitutions:
MF21Ruslan Rotanupward-facing green arrow 75'
FW11Serhii Rebrovupward-facing green arrow 94'
FW15Artem Milevskyiupward-facing green arrow 111'
Manager:
Oleg Blokhin

Man of the Match:
Oleksandr Shovkovskyi (Ukraine)

Assistant referees:
José Ramírez (Mexico)
Héctor Vergara (Canada)
Fourth official:
Jerome Damon (South Africa)
Fifth official:
Justice Yeboah (Ghana)

2010 FIFA World Cup

Switzerland were the only team to beat eventual world champion Spain, by a 0–1 victory in the group stage. In spite of this, they did not survive the first round.[4]

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Spain 3 2 0 1 4 2 +2 6 Advance to knockout stage
2  Chile 3 2 0 1 3 2 +1 6
3   Switzerland 3 1 1 1 1 1 0 4
4  Honduras 3 0 1 2 0 3 −3 1
Source: FIFA
Rules for classification: Tie-breaking criteria
Spain 0–1  Switzerland
Report Fernandes 52'
Attendance: 62,453
Spain[6]
Switzerland[6]
GK1Iker Casillas (c)
RB15Sergio Ramos
CB5Carles Puyol
CB3Gerard Piqué
LB11Joan Capdevila
DM16Sergio Busquetsdownward-facing red arrow 61'
CM14Xabi Alonso
CM8Xavi
RW21David Silvadownward-facing red arrow 62'
LW6Andrés Iniestadownward-facing red arrow 77'
CF7David Villa
Substitutions:
FW9Fernando Torresupward-facing green arrow 61'
MF22Jesús Navasupward-facing green arrow 62'
FW18Pedroupward-facing green arrow 77'
Manager:
Vicente del Bosque
GK1Diego BenaglioYellow card 90+1'
RB2Stephan Lichtsteiner
CB4Philippe Senderosdownward-facing red arrow 36'
CB13Stéphane GrichtingYellow card 30'
LB17Reto ZieglerYellow card 73'
RM7Tranquillo Barnettadownward-facing red arrow 90+2'
CM8Gökhan Inler (c)
CM6Benjamin Huggel
LM16Gélson Fernandes
SS19Eren Derdiyokdownward-facing red arrow 79'
CF10Blaise Nkufo
Substitutions:
DF5Steve von Bergenupward-facing green arrow 36'
MF15Hakan YakinYellow card 90+4'upward-facing green arrow 79'
DF22Mario Eggimannupward-facing green arrow 90+2'
Manager:
Germany Ottmar Hitzfeld

Man of the Match:
Gélson Fernandes (Switzerland)

Assistant referees:
Darren Cann (England)[5]
Mike Mullarkey (England)[5]
Fourth official:
Martin Hansson (Sweden)[5]
Fifth official:
Stefan Wittberg (Sweden)[5]

Chile 1–0  Switzerland
González 75' Report
Attendance: 34,872
Chile[7]
Switzerland[7]
GK1Claudio Bravo (c)
RB4Mauricio Isla
CB17Gary MedelYellow card 61'
CB3Waldo PonceYellow card 25'
LB18Gonzalo Jara
RM8Arturo Vidaldownward-facing red arrow 46'
CM6Carlos CarmonaYellow card 22'
LM14Matías FernándezYellow card 60'downward-facing red arrow 65'
RW7Alexis Sánchez
CF9Humberto SuazoYellow card 2'downward-facing red arrow 46'
LW15Jean Beausejour
Substitutions:
FW10Jorge ValdiviaYellow card 90+2'upward-facing green arrow 46'
MF11Mark Gonzálezupward-facing green arrow 46'
FW22Esteban Paredesupward-facing green arrow 65'
Manager:
Argentina Marcelo Bielsa
GK1Diego Benaglio
RB2Stephan Lichtsteiner
CB5Steve von Bergen
CB13Stéphane Grichting
LB17Reto Ziegler
RM11Valon BehramiRed card 31'
CM8Gökhan InlerYellow card 60'
CM6Benjamin Huggel
LM16Gélson Fernandesdownward-facing red arrow 77'
SS9Alexander Frei (c)downward-facing red arrow 42'
CF10Blaise NkufoYellow card 18'downward-facing red arrow 68'
Substitutions:
MF7Tranquillo BarnettaYellow card 48'upward-facing green arrow 42'
FW19Eren Derdiyokupward-facing green arrow 68'
FW18Albert Bunjakuupward-facing green arrow 77'
Manager:
Germany Ottmar Hitzfeld

Man of the Match:
Mark González (Chile)

Assistant referees:
Hassan Kamranifar (Iran)
Saleh Al Marzouqi (United Arab Emirates)
Fourth official:
Martín Vázquez (Uruguay)
Fifth official:
Miguel Nievas (Uruguay)

Switzerland 0–0 Honduras
Report
Attendance: 28,042
Switzerland[8]
Honduras[8]
GK1Diego Benaglio
RB2Stephan Lichtsteiner
CB5Steve von Bergen
CB13Stéphane Grichting
LB17Reto Ziegler
RM7Tranquillo Barnetta
CM6Benjamin Huggeldownward-facing red arrow 78'
CM8Gökhan Inler (c)
LM16Gélson FernandesYellow card 34'downward-facing red arrow 46'
CF19Eren Derdiyok
CF10Blaise Nkufodownward-facing red arrow 69'
Substitutions:
MF15Hakan Yakinupward-facing green arrow 46'
FW9Alexander Freiupward-facing green arrow 69'
MF23Xherdan Shaqiriupward-facing green arrow 78'
Manager:
Germany Ottmar Hitzfeld
GK18Noel Valladares (c)
RB16Mauricio Sabillón
CB2Osman ChávezYellow card 64'
CB5Víctor Bernárdez
LB3Maynor Figueroa
CM8Wilson PalaciosYellow card 89'
CM6Hendry ThomasYellow card 4'
RW17Edgar Álvarez
LW7Ramón Núñezdownward-facing red arrow 67'
CF10Jerry Palaciosdownward-facing red arrow 78'
CF11David SuazoYellow card 58'downward-facing red arrow 87'
Substitutions:
FW15Walter Martínezupward-facing green arrow 67'
FW12Georgie Welcomeupward-facing green arrow 78'
MF19Danilo Turciosupward-facing green arrow 87'
Manager:
Colombia Reinaldo Rueda

Man of the Match:
Noel Valladares (Honduras)

Assistant referees:
Ricardo Casas (Argentina)
Hernan Maidana (Argentina)
Fourth official:
Olegário Benquerença (Portugal)
Fifth official:
Jose Manuel Silva Cardinal (Portugal)

2014 FIFA World Cup

At the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Switzerland were drawn in Group E along with Ecuador, France, and Honduras. They opened their campaign with a 2–1 victory over Ecuador in Brasília. However, in their next match, they suffered a 5–2 defeat to France. Despite the initial setback, a 3–0 victory in their final game against Honduras, courtesy of a hat-trick by Xherdan Shaqiri sent them into the round of 16, where they faced the two-time world champions and eventual runners-up Argentina.

The game was goalless and nearly heading to penalties when Ángel Di María scored a 118th-minute extra time goal to send Argentina into the quarter-finals. Despite being eliminated in the round of 16, it was Switzerland's best performance in eight years.[9]

Legend
Group winners and runners-up advance to the round of 16

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  France 3 2 1 0 8 2 +6 7 Advance to knockout stage
2   Switzerland 3 2 0 1 7 6 +1 6
3  Ecuador 3 1 1 1 3 3 0 4
4  Honduras 3 0 0 3 1 8 −7 0
Source: FIFA
Rules for classification: Tie-breaking criteria

All times local: five matches are in Brasília official time (UTC−3), while Honduras v Switzerland, played in Manaus, is in the Amazon time zone (UTC−4).

Switzerland 2–5 France
Džemaili 81'
Xhaka 87'		 Report Giroud 17'
Matuidi 18'
Valbuena 40'
Benzema 67'
Sissoko 73'
Attendance: 51,003
Honduras 0–3  Switzerland
Report Shaqiri 6', 31', 71'
Attendance: 40,322
Argentina 1–0 (a.e.t.)  Switzerland
Di María 118' Report
Attendance: 63,255

2026 FIFA World Cup

Group B

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Switzerland 3 2 1 0 7 3 +4 7 Advance to knockout stage
2  Canada (H) 3 1 1 1 8 3 +5 4[a]
3  Bosnia and Herzegovina 3 1 1 1 5 6 −1 4[a]
4  Qatar 3 0 1 2 2 10 −8 1
Source: FIFA
Rules for classification: Group stage tiebreakers
(H) Hosts
Notes:
  1. Tied on head-to-head result (Canada 1–1 Bosnia and Herzegovina). Overall goal difference was used as the tiebreaker.
Qatar 1–1 Switzerland
 [Report 1]
Attendance: 67,966
Switzerland 4–1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
 [Report 2]
Attendance: 70,026
Switzerland 2–1 Canada
 [Report 3]
Attendance: 52,497
Referee: Ramon Abatti (Brazil)

Knockout stage

Round of 32
Switzerland Match 85 Algeria
[Report 4]

Player records

Most appearances

Granit Xhaka and Ricardo Rodriguez became Switzerland's joint record holders for World Cup appearances in 2026.
Rank Player Matches World Cups
1 Ricardo Rodriguez142014, 2018, 2022 and 2026
Granit Xhaka142014, 2018, 2022 and 2026
3Xherdan Shaqiri122010, 2014, 2018 and 2022
4 Valon Behrami102006, 2010, 2014 and 2018
Stephan Lichtsteiner102010, 2014 and 2018
Haris Seferovic102014, 2018 and 2022
Manuel Akanji102018, 2022 and 2026
Breel Embolo102018, 2022 and 2026
9 Kiki Antenen81950, 1954 and 1962
Johan Djourou82006, 2014 and 2018

Source:[10]

Goalscorers

With six goals at Switzerland's home tournament in 1954, Josef Hügi won the shared Silver Boot; the only individual FIFA World Cup award ever received by a Swiss player.

Player Goals 1934 1938 1950 1954 1962 1966 1994 2006 2010 2014 2018 2022 2026
Josef Hügi 6 6
Xherdan Shaqiri 5 311
André Abegglen 4 13
Robert Ballaman 4 4
Leopold Kielholz 3 3
Jacques Fatton 3 21
Breel Embolo 3 21
Granit Xhaka 3 111
Johan Manzambi 3 3
Adrian Knup 2 2
Alexander Frei 2 2
Blerim Džemaili 2 11
Rubén Vargas 2 2
Willy Jäggi 1 1
Eugen Walaschek 1 1
Alfred Bickel 1 1
René Bader 1 1
Charles Antenen 1 1
Rolf Wüthrich 1 1
Heinz Schneiter 1 1
René-Pierre Quentin 1 1
Georges Bregy 1 1
Alain Sutter 1 1
Stéphane Chapuisat 1 1
Tranquillo Barnetta 1 1
Philippe Senderos 1 1
Gelson Fernandes 1 1
Admir Mehmedi 1 1
Haris Seferovic 1 1
Steven Zuber 1 1
Josip Drmić 1 1
Remo Freuler 1 1
Total 61 55411215417547

See also

References

  1. "FIFA World Cup - Statistics for Switzerland". FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from the original on June 14, 2009.
  2. RSSSF credits this goal as occurring in the 29th minute.
  3. RSSSF credits this goal as coming in the 90th minute.
  4. "Switzerland 0-0 Honduras". BBC Sport. 25 June 2010. Retrieved 24 March 2026.
  5. "Referee designations for matches 1-16" (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 5 June 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 July 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2010.
  6. "Tactical Line-up – Group H – Spain-Switzerland" (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 16 June 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 22, 2011. Retrieved 16 June 2010.
  7. "Tactical Line-up – Group H – Chile-Switzerland" (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 21 June 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 20, 2011. Retrieved 21 June 2010.
  8. "Tactical Line-up – Group H – Switzerland-Honduras" (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 25 June 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 July 2010. Retrieved 25 June 2010.
  9. "Argentina 1-0 Switzerland (aet)". BBC Sport. 1 July 2014. Retrieved 24 March 2026.
  10. "World Cup statistics of Team Switzerland". Schweizerischer Fussballverband.

Reports