For over ten years, any time Switzerland dey face trouble for major tournament, Xherdan Shaqiri go appear with left-foot magic. From hat-trick against Honduras for 2014 to bicycle kick for 2016, na im be big-game player. Even for Euro 2024, im curler against Scotland show say im still get spark. But for 2026 World Cup wey dey happen for North America, number 23 no dey Swiss roster. Many fans dey wonder why one of the most clutch players for World Cup history no dey pitch.
The answer no be injury or quarrel with coach Murat Yakin. Na personal choice. Shaqiri retire from international football for July 2024, after Switzerland lose to England for penalty for Euro 2024 quarterfinal. At 32 years old, after 14 years for national team, im choose to focus on club career. Im post for social media thank fans and say memories go remain forever.
Shaqiri end im international career as third most capped player for Switzerland with 125 matches and fourth highest goalscorer with 32 goals. After retirement, im leave MLS side Chicago Fire and return to boyhood club FC Basel for Swiss Super League. Playing domestic allow am manage workload without international travel.
Another Swiss star wey retire na goalkeeper Yann Sommer. So Switzerland go face World Cup without two key players. Captain Granit Xhaka go lead team. Other experienced players like Manuel Akanji, Gregor Kobel, Remo Freuler, and Denis Zakaria dey provide balance. For attack, Dan Ndoye, Ruben Vargas, Zeki Amdouni, and Noah Okafor go carry responsibility.
Switzerland finish UEFA qualifying undefeated and top group. Dem dey Group B with Canada, Qatar, and Bosnia Herzegovina. Even without Shaqiri, dem get talent to advance. But this World Cup mark end of era for Swiss football as dem reinvent without one of greatest modern idols.
