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.

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.