‘We can trouble them’: Xhaka backs Switzerland to shock Argentina in World Cup quarterfinal
By Joel Masibo, July 11, 2026Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka says his team is confident it can pose serious problems for defending FIFA World Cup champions Argentina when the two nations meet in Sunday’s quarterfinal.
The Swiss have enjoyed an unbeaten run at the tournament, recording victories over Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada while drawing with Qatar during the group phase. They then eliminated Algeria and Colombia in the knockout rounds to secure their first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 1954.
Hungry for more
“We’re hungry, we need to have the right mentality and I’m convinced we can really trouble Argentina,” Xhaka said on Friday.
“After so many years, to be here with Switzerland and play against the reigning world champions makes me proud. But I’m not here just to talk. I want to take the next step.”
The 33-year-old Sunderland midfielder remembers Switzerland’s heartbreaking 1-0 extra-time defeat to Argentina in the 2014 World Cup round of 16, when Angel Di Maria struck in the 118th minute.
However, Xhaka stressed that Sunday’s contest is not about settling old scores.
“This isn’t about revenge. It’s a completely different match from 2014,” he said.
“We’re in the quarterfinals now and we want to win. We have a new team and a new generation of players. Football in Switzerland has improved a lot. Tomorrow we will do our best to make it difficult for Argentina.” He said.
Preparation
Head coach Murat Yakin revealed that his side has prepared a tactical approach to deal with Lionel Messi but emphasized that neutralizing the Argentine star will require teamwork rather than individual effort.
“They run a lot, defend well and have clear principles,” Yakin said. “We’ll perform as a team. We want to press high and play our own game. We have our solutions.”
Switzerland will have to cope without promising midfielder Johan Manzambi, who misses the clash at Kansas City Stadium because of a knee injury. The 20-year-old had been one of the team’s standout performers, scoring three goals and contributing two assists in his opening four World Cup appearances before the injury also ruled him out of the penalty-shootout victory over Colombia in the last 16.
“We did everything we could to get him ready, but unfortunately he won’t be able to play,” Yakin said. “He is in a lot of pain. It was a shock because he had momentum on his side and was playing with so much joy. We’ll have to do the best we can without him.”
Despite the setback, Xhaka encouraged Swiss fans to believe that the team can achieve something unprecedented.
“I’m someone who believes dreams can come true,” he said. “But you have to give 100 percent and do something different to beat a team like Argentina. I’m convinced this team is ready.” He said.