The Switzerland squad will face the 2026 World Cup with a historic absence, as for the first time in more than a decade, they will not count on Xherdan Shaqiri, one of the most emblematic and talented players in recent history.

Shaqiri announced his retirement from the national team in July 2024, closing an extraordinary career with 125 matches and 32 goals while defending the Swiss jersey. In addition, he participated in every major tournament between the 2014 World Cup and the Euro 2024, becoming one of the most representative faces of Swiss soccer during the last decade.

Another Swiss star who retired from international duty is goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who isn’t playing at the 2026 World Cup either.

A new path without Shaqiri

The absence of the historic winger will mark the beginning of a new stage for the squad led by Murat Yakin, who already confirmed their definitive 26-player roster for the 2026 World Cup. The leadership within the group will now fall principally on Granit Xhaka, the current captain and leader of the Swiss midfield.

Switzerland arrive at the World Cup after completing a very solid UEFA qualifying campaign, finishing undefeated and as group leaders. The roster maintains an experienced core with soccer players like Manuel Akanji, Gregor Kobel, Remo Freuler, and Denis Zakaria, who provide balance and international experience.

Without Shaqiri, a large part of the offensive responsibility will fall on players like Dan Ndoye, Ruben Vargas, Zeki Amdouni, and Noah Okafor, soccer players called upon to assume the prominence that the former Bayern Munich and Liverpool player had for years.

Although Switzerland maintain a competitive and balanced generation, the 2026 World Cup will represent the definitive close of an unforgettable era for Swiss soccer, with them now forced to reinvent themselves without one of their greatest modern idols.

The 30-year-old Swiss winger has played for several big European clubs like Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan. Also, he played for Lyon of France before joining the MLS. For his country, Shaqiri has played 106 games and scored 26 goals.

Although, Shaqiri hasn’t impacted the way desired for the one-time MLS Champion franchise, he still has to adapt to his teammates and his coach’s style of play. Therefore, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the Major League Soccer won’t selected him to be in the 2022 MLS All-Star roster.

Xherdan Shaqiri won’tplay against the All-Star Liga MX team

Despite Xherdan Shaqiri is one of the big names that arrived to the MLS this season, the Major League Soccer decided not to select him to the official MLS All-Star roster to play against the All-Star Liga MX team on Wednesday, August 10 at theAllianz Field.

In his MLS debut season, Shaqiri has played 20 games in which he has registered4 goals with 5 assists for Chicago Fire. Therefore, he hasn’t played good enough to be among the best players of the current season.

In fact, among the players that will miss this amazing game like Gareth Bale, Lorenzo Insigne and Giorgio Chiellini, he is the only one that played since the beginning ofthe 2022 MLS Season. So it is a surprise that despite he hasn’t shined yet, he won’t take part of this MLS huge sporting event.