Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Switzerland-Germany, likely lineups

Friday, at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland and Germany face each other in a friendly match with kickoff at 8:45 p.m. For both national teams, it is a crucial test of physical condition and tactical schemes ahead of the World Cup. Yakin’s Switzerland wants to confirm itself as a solid and tough team, being able to count on two returning veterans in Basel: Remo Freuler and Denis Zakaria are in fact back among the summoned players.

It remains to be seen whether the Swiss coach will deploy both of them as starters from the first minute to keep company with Xhaka, who remains the irreplaceable metronome of the Swiss national team. On the other hand, Nagelsmann’s Germany comes to this test with a lot of curiosity, especially for the possible debut of the young talent Lennart Karl, at his first convocation. It will be a useful duel for both to see where they stand on the path of growth toward the most important appointment of the year, the 2026 World Cup.

Yakin’s team relies on its leaders. In goal is Kobel, protected by the Akanji-led defense. The real strength is in the midfield with the returns of Freuler and Zakaria, where together with Xhaka they make up an experienced wall. Up front, the trident will rely on the speed of Ndoye and Vargas to serve the central point Embolo.

Nagelsmann’s team changes skin. In attack, with Woltemade destined for the bench, there is a move toward the return of Havertz as a central reference. Behind him much curiosity for Karl, who could start as central trequartista with Sané on the right. On the left flank he seeks redemption Florian Wirtz, who, however, must win the ballot with a fierce Leweling.

Probable formations

SWITZERLAND (4-3-3): Kobel; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Ricardo Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka, Zakaria; Ndoye, Embolo, Vargas. All. Yakin.

GERMANY (4-2-3-1): Baumann; Kimmich, Rudiger, Tah, Raum; Goretzka, Pavlovic; Sané, Karl, Wirtz; Havertz. All. Nagelsmann.