Alongside long-time captain Granit Xhaka and regular forward Andi Zeqiri, Yakin has also called up Adrian Bajrami for the very first time. Bajrami, a promising defender, recently made headlines for his controversial decision to leave the Albanian national team setup and commit to Switzerland.
Switzerland will face Sweden on October 10 away from home, followed by another away match against Slovenia on October 13. With two wins from their opening games, scoring seven goals and conceding none, the Swiss top Group B of the World Cup qualifiers and are in a strong position to continue their dominant start.
Granit Xhaka: The Leader and Icon
Granit Xhaka, the experienced captain, remains the centerpiece of the Swiss national team. The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder has had an exceptional run of form in club football, carrying his leadership and tactical intelligence into international matches. Xhaka, who was born in Basel to Albanian parents from Kosovo, has long been a symbol of Switzerland’s multicultural football success.
He played a key role in Switzerland’s qualification for past European Championships and World Cups, including the memorable run to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020. His presence in midfield offers stability, vision, and determination. For many Albanian fans, Xhaka embodies the dual identity of footballers who straddle cultures while making their mark on the global stage.
Andi Zeqiri: Consistent Attacking Option
Another familiar face in Yakin’s squad is Andi Zeqiri, a striker currently playing in Ligue 1 with Montpellier. The Lausanne-born forward, also of Kosovar Albanian origin, has gradually established himself as a reliable attacking option for the Swiss national team.
Known for his movement and work ethic, Zeqiri brings energy to Switzerland’s frontline. Although he is not always the first-choice striker, his versatility makes him an important asset, especially in qualification campaigns where squad rotation is crucial.
Adrian Bajrami: The New Addition
The most eye-catching inclusion in Yakin’s squad is undoubtedly Adrian Bajrami, a young central defender currently playing in Portugal with Benfica B. Bajrami was long considered a rising talent for the Albanian national team, having represented Albania at youth levels. However, just last month he officially decided to switch allegiance to Switzerland, the country of his birth.
This move caused disappointment among many Albanian supporters, who saw Bajrami as part of the future backbone of their national defense. Yet, from Bajrami’s perspective, Switzerland offers greater international exposure and competitive opportunities.
His call-up by Yakin confirms Switzerland’s commitment to integrating him into their defensive setup, especially as they look to refresh their backline with younger options.
Switzerland’s Qualification Path
Switzerland have started their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign in strong fashion. With six points from their first two matches, they lead Group B confidently. Their defensive solidity—no goals conceded so far—reflects Yakin’s emphasis on tactical discipline.
The next two fixtures, however, will test the resilience and depth of the squad:
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Sweden vs Switzerland – October 10
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Slovenia vs Switzerland – October 13
Both opponents are competitive, with Sweden boasting physical strength and attacking talents, while Slovenia has shown steady improvement in European football. Nevertheless, Switzerland enter as favorites, especially given their blend of experienced leaders and rising talents.
The Broader Significance of Albanian-Origin Players in Switzerland
The presence of Xhaka, Zeqiri, and now Bajrami continues a longstanding tradition of Albanian-origin players playing central roles in the Swiss national team. Over the past two decades, Swiss football has been shaped by stars of Albanian heritage, including Xherdan Shaqiri, Valon Behrami, and Blerim Džemaili.
This reflects both the strength of Switzerland’s football development system and the contribution of immigrant communities to national sporting success. For many in Albania and Kosovo, there is pride but also a sense of bittersweet loss, as top talents often choose to represent Switzerland rather than their ancestral homeland.
Murat Yakin’s decision to call up three Albanian-origin players—Xhaka, Zeqiri, and Bajrami—underlines Switzerland’s continued reliance on the talent pipeline rooted in the Albanian diaspora. With two crucial qualifiers ahead, the Swiss will aim to solidify their position at the top of Group B and move closer to securing a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For Bajrami, these matches may mark the beginning of a long and successful international career with Switzerland, while for Albanian fans, it is another reminder of the complex football identities that define the modern game.