Switzerland Schedule for FIFA 2026 World Cup: How to Watch, History & Record
Switzerland returns to the World Cup in 2026 for a sixth straight appearance. The Swiss secured qualification as Group B winners and did not concede a single goal during the qualifying campaign.
Murat Yakin guided the team through key wins, including a 4–0 result against Kosovo, a 3–0 victory over Slovenia, and a 2–0 win against Sweden. Switzerland finished above Kosovo to take first place in the group and book automatic qualification.
The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Switzerland will face Canada, Qatar, and a European playoff team in Group B. Swiss supporters can follow every match free through SRG SSR channels.
Switzerland World Cup 2026 Schedule (Local Time)
Switzerland plays three Group B matches on the West Coast of North America. Because of the time difference, each match begins at 21:00 Swiss time.
Match Schedule
| 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 |
- UEFA Playoff Winner: one of Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales, or Bosnia and Herzegovina (decided March 31, 2026)
Group B sends the top two teams straight into the Round of 32. In addition, the eight best third-place teams across all groups also advance. Switzerland will aim to finish first or second to avoid relying on third-place scenarios.
If Switzerland qualifies, the Round of 32 begins on June 28. The knockout stage continues through July 19, when the final is played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
How to Watch the World Cup 2026 in Switzerland
SRG SSR will broadcast all Switzerland matches free to viewers in Switzerland. German-language coverage airs on SRF zwei and SRF info. French-language coverage is available on RTS 2. Italian-language coverage airs on RSI LA 2.
Major cable providers such as Swisscom TV, Sunrise, Salt TV, and Quickline typically carry these channels within standard packages, so no additional sports subscription is required.
Also Check: FIFA World Cup 2026 TV Rights
Live Streaming Options for Swiss Fans
Play SRF streams matches for German-language viewers, RTS Play provides French coverage, and Play RSI offers Italian streams. These platforms work on mobile devices, tablets, and computers through apps and web browsers.
Access is free with registration. Swiss residents can watch live matches, replays, highlights, and studio analysis through the respective streaming services.
How to Listen to the World Cup 2026 in Switzerland
SRF Radio carries match coverage on SRF 3 and SRF Sport for German listeners. RTS Radio airs broadcasts in French on La Première and RTS Sport. Italian radio coverage is available via RSI channels such as Rete Uno and RSI Sport.
All stations provide free online listening through websites and apps, and DAB+ coverage offers strong reception throughout Switzerland.
Switzerland World Cup History & Record
Switzerland has appeared in 12 World Cups before 2026, making this their 13th overall tournament and their sixth consecutive qualification from 2006 through 2026.
The national team has reached the quarter-finals three times: 1934, 1938, and 1954. Switzerland hosted the 1954 World Cup, where their quarter-final against Austria became the highest-scoring match in tournament history, ending 7–5.
Switzerland also set a rare defensive record in 2006 by being eliminated without conceding a goal. Across 2006 and into 2010, they went 559 minutes before allowing a goal, with Chile ending the run 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 each of their last five World Cups (2006–2022). At Qatar 2022, they defeated Cameroon 1–0 and Serbia 3–2 before losing 6–1 to Portugal in the knockout stage.
Xherdan Shaqiri retired in July 2024 after a long international career. Granit Xhaka leads the current squad, Manuel Akanji remains a key defensive figure, and Breel Embolo is a central attacking option.
Switzerland World Cup Predictions and Analysis
Switzerland enters Group B with a realistic path to the knockout rounds. Qatar appears to be the most favorable match for three points, and Switzerland will target a strong start in the opening game.
The final Group B opponent will be determined by the UEFA playoff on March 31, 2026. Italy would represent the most demanding matchup, while Northern Ireland, Wales, or Bosnia and Herzegovina may be viewed as more manageable opponents.
Switzerland’s match against Canada in Vancouver on June 24 could decide first place in the group. Canada will have home support, while Switzerland brings deeper recent tournament experience, setting up a high-stakes finale.
Tactically, Murat Yakin often uses a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 structure. Switzerland’s system emphasizes compact defending, coordinated pressing, and disciplined positioning. Set pieces also remain an important weapon given the team’s physical profile.
Switzerland will aim to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954. The expanded 48-team format increases the margin for error, since 32 teams advance to the knockout phase, meaning even third place can be enough in many groups.
Switzerland FIFA World Cup 2026 FAQs
Which teams are in Switzerland’s World Cup group?
Switzerland will play Canada, Qatar, and a UEFA playoff winner in Group B. The playoff team will be Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales, or Bosnia and Herzegovina, decided on March 31, 2026.
Can Switzerland win the World Cup in 2026?
Switzerland has never won the World Cup and enters 2026 as an outsider rather than a top favorite. A realistic target is progressing deep into the knockout rounds, with the quarter-finals a strong best-case benchmark.
Where does Switzerland play their group matches?
All three group matches are scheduled on the West Coast: Santa Clara for Qatar, Los Angeles for the playoff opponent, and Vancouver for the match against Canada.
Did Xherdan Shaqiri retire from Switzerland?
Yes. Shaqiri retired from international football in July 2024 after a long national team career. Switzerland will look to replace his creativity and tournament experience going forward.
What time do Switzerland matches start in Swiss time?
All Group B matches start at 21:00 Swiss time (CET), giving fans prime-time viewing rather than late-night kickoffs.
How many times has Switzerland qualified for the World Cup?
The 2026 tournament marks Switzerland’s 13th World Cup appearance. It is also their sixth consecutive qualification from 2006 through 2026.
Who coaches Switzerland at the 2026 World Cup?
Murat Yakin leads Switzerland into the 2026 World Cup after taking the role in August 2021. His teams are known for structured defending, and the qualifying campaign featured zero goals conceded.
