Yakin remains cautious ahead of Switzerland-Sweden clash: "I don't know if we are favorites"

On the eve of the clash against Sweden, Switzerland is approaching a decisive turning point in the qualifications for the 2026 World CupMurat Yakin's men are five points clear of their Nordic rivals ahead of the trip to Solna on Friday, but the Swiss coach is refusing to be triumphant.

"I don't know if we're really the favorites," the Basel player said at a press conference shortly after the Swiss national team landed in the Stockholm suburbs. "Sweden played twice away, while we were at home. Things can change quickly. We're expecting a very difficult match."

An unchanged team for the first time?

Barring any surprises, Yakin is expected to return to the same starting lineup that won against Kosovo and Slovenia, two matches he won brilliantly in the first half. This would be a first for the coach, who has never fielded the same starting lineup three times in a row since taking over in 2021.

Freuler wants his revenge

At his side at the press conference, Remo Freuler reiterated the squad's motivation: "We come here with a lot of confidence and the desire to get a good result." The Bologna midfielder has not forgotten the defeat against Sweden in the round of 16 of the 2018 World Cup: "I don't have good memories of that match, so yes, we want revenge."

The Freuler–Xhaka–Rieder trio is expected to once again occupy the heart of the game, while Breel Embolo will lead the attack alongside Ruben Vargas and Dan Ndoye. If Embolo scores, he would equal a 91-year-old record: scoring in six consecutive matches for the national team, as Leopold Kielholz set in 1934.

The quiet strength behind

While Switzerland's attacking fire is impressive, Yakin insists on their defensive rigor: "Our solidity is the key against a physical team like Sweden."

Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi should thus reform the central hinge in front of Gregor Kobel, while Ricardo Rodriguez and Silvan Widmer retain their status as regulars on the wings, despite increased competition from Miro Muheim and Isaac Schmidt.

With four matches still to play, Switzerland can take a big step towards the 2026 World Cup. But in Solna, nothing will be a given.