Top five players to watch for Qatar vs Switzerland FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Granit Xhaka & Akram Afif

Qatar hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Qatar, despite being the hosts, became the first nation to be eliminated in the group stage of a FIFA World Cup after their disappointing campaign in 2022 and will be hoping for a much better showing this time around. They have been drawn in Group B alongside Switzerland, Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

They begin their campaign with a tough test against Switzerland at Levi’s Stadium in California, USA. The Swiss have reached the knockout stages in each of the last three World Cups before being eliminated in the Round of 16, while this marks Qatar’s first-ever World Cup appearance, earned through qualification rather than automatic host status.

While Switzerland are among the favourites to progress from the group alongside Canada, Qatar cannot be underestimated. The Maroons are back-to-back Asian champions, having lifted the AFC Asian Cup in both 2019 and 2023.

Let’s take a look at five players who could potentially influence the outcome of the match when Qatar and Switzerland face off in California.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Fixtures, Schedule, Match Timings & Where to Watch

Top five players to watch for Qatar vs Switzerland

S.No.	Player Name	Country
1	Granit Xhaka	Switzerland
2	Dan Ndoye	Switzerland
3	Akram Afif	Qatar
4	Ricardo Rodriguez	Switzerland
5	Boualem Khoukhi	Qatar

5. Boualem Khoukhi

Boualem Khoukhi, one of the most experienced players in the current Qatar squad, will play a crucial role at the heart of the defence if the former hosts are to progress beyond the group stage.

Having started his career as a midfielder before transitioning into a centre-back, Khoukhi offers valuable tactical flexibility. His ability to step into midfield and win tackles during transitions allows Qatar to press higher up the pitch when required. He has also scored 20 goals for the national team, highlighting his threat from long range and in the air.

4. Ricardo Rodriguez

Ricardo Rodriguez, who currently plays for Real Betis in La Liga, is second only to Granit Xhaka in Switzerland’s all-time appearance rankings. Since his debut for the NT in 2011, he has established himself as the team’s first-choice left back and has remained a consistent presence in the squad.

The veteran defender can operate as a left-back, left wing-back or left-sided centre-back, giving Switzerland significant tactical flexibility. He is known for the quality of his crossing and remains a reliable defender, with his defensive discipline, particularly in one-versus-one situations.

3. Akram Afif

For anyone who follows Asian football closely, Akram Afif needs little introduction. The Qatari winger is one of the most exciting players on the continent and is coming off an outstanding domestic season in which he registered 18 goals and 18 assists in 36 appearances.

A gifted dribbler, Afif is equally effective with his movement off the ball and is capable of operating anywhere across the frontline. His creativity is another major strength, regularly creating chances for his teammates while also posing a threat from set-pieces. With 90 goal contributions in 128 appearances for Qatar, his record speaks for itself.

2. Dan Ndoye

Dan Ndoye, who joined Nottingham Forest ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season, endured a difficult debut campaign in England. Despite that, he remains one of Switzerland’s most dangerous attacking players.

Although most effective on the left wing, Ndoye is equally comfortable on the opposite flank. His acceleration, direct running and dribbling ability allow him to carry the ball forward with ease and create problems for defenders. With 10 goal contributions in his last 12 appearances for Switzerland, he enters the tournament in impressive form and is expected to be one of the team’s main attacking outlets.

1. Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka, the captain of Switzerland, finished the 2025/26 Premier League season as one of the league’s standout midfielders, helping Sunderland AFC secure a historic Europa League qualification in their first season after promotion.

A natural leader, Xhaka excels with the ball at his feet and is renowned for his ability to dictate play from deep midfield areas. His line-breaking ground and aerial passes, game awareness and understanding of when to slow down the tempo or commit tactical fouls make him one of the best midfielders in the world and Switzerland’s most important player.

Having registered a goal or assist in each of his last three international appearances, he will be aiming to continue that form heading into the World Cup.

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