European Powerhouse Switzerland Faces Asian Champion Qatar as Crusaders Prepare for Kickoff

2026 FIFA World Cup Key News

Central News Report

(Central News Agency, Santa Clara, California, December 12 — international wire report) Switzerland will open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Qatar, with team captain Granit Xhaka stating that the squad is fully prepared and aiming for their best-ever World Cup performance. However, he emphasized that players must also learn to enjoy the moment.

According to Reuters, Xhaka, who is participating in his fourth World Cup, said the Swiss team is more confident and 'more eager than ever' to compete, as they prepare to face the two-time Asian champions Qatar in Santa Clara tomorrow.

Speaking at a press conference, he said: 'In football, we always talk tactics, but we must also enjoy the game. I believe this is one of the most important things in football — to feel free when stepping onto the pitch.'

'Tomorrow, we will show our best form, playing for Switzerland and for our families. This will be our first crucial step, and it will be our best World Cup ever. We can't wait — we're fully ready, both physically and mentally.'

Switzerland has qualified for the World Cup finals for the sixth consecutive time, a feat matched in Europe only by France, Spain, England, Portugal, and Germany.

However, in five of their past six World Cup appearances, Switzerland has been eliminated in the Round of 16. Their last appearance in the quarterfinals was in 1954. (Translation: Ho Hung-ju) 1150613

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