Swiss captain Granit Xhaka claims his team will defeat Argentina in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, 12 years after their elimination in Brazil 2014.
Switzerland's captain, Granit Xhaka, sent a message of confidence ahead of the quarter-final clash against Argentina in the 2026 World Cup. “This time I believe we will win,” said the midfielder, recalling Switzerland's elimination in 2014 against the Albiceleste.
A new generation with ambition
Xhaka, who played in that round of 16 match in Brazil 2014 when he was 22 years old, assured that Swiss football has evolved. “We played quite well, but we conceded the goal in the 118th minute. We should have scored ourselves,” he pointed out at the pre-match press conference.
The midfielder, along with Ricardo Rodríguez, is the only survivor of that 1-0 defeat with a goal from Ángel Di María in extra time. “This is a new generation and Swiss football has improved a lot,” he insisted.
Switzerland reaches the quarter-finals of a World Cup for the first time in 72 years. Xhaka described the occasion as “one of the best moments of my career” and assured that the team is not satisfied just to be there.
No thirst for revenge, but hungry
Despite the confidence, Xhaka ruled out any notion of revenge in the match. “We are not talking about revenge. These are very different teams. We have to perform at the highest level,” he explained. The match will take place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
The Swiss captain did not hold back in praising Argentina, which he cited as an example of competitive mentality. “I am a big fan of Latin teams because of their mentality. They give everything even in training,” he highlighted.
However, Xhaka believes that Switzerland's strengths have not received enough recognition in the tournament. “Few people are talking about our strengths, but we all play in top leagues and we will prove it,” he warned.
A historic opportunity
For Xhaka, this match represents one of the most important moments of his career. “After 72 years, for Switzerland to play in the quarter-finals against the world champions fills me with pride,” he stated.
The midfielder also praised Ricardo Rodríguez, his teammate since 2014. “He hasn’t changed. He is a calm player who responds very well on the pitch. Together we have made history,” he concluded.
The clash between Argentina and Switzerland in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup will take place this week in Kansas City. The Swiss will look to surprise the reigning world champions.
You may also like
