Switzerland
Manager: Murat Yakin
This will be Switzerland's sixth successive World Cup finals and they have reached the round of 16 on four occasions in that time. That should again be the minimum aim with an eminently winnable section and round-of-32 tie before a possible meeting with one of Group K rivals Portugal or Colombia in the second knockout stage. That's where Switzerland's adventure may end but there is quality running throughout their squad, with captain Granit Xhaka, who has been a titan for Sunderland this season, dictating the tempo from midfield. The Swiss have beaten France and Italy at the last two European Championships and were unlucky to lose to England on penalties at Euro 2024. In an expanded tournament, the draw may work against them again as it progresses.
