World Cup Qualification 2026: Slovenia-Switzerland, the likely lineups

Switzerland faces Slovenia on the fourth day of Group B of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Kickoff at 8:45 p.m. at Stadion Stožice in Ljubljana. The hosts haven&#8217t beaten the Red Swiss since 2014 and are looking for a prestigious result to move up the standings, while Murat Yakin&#8217s team is aiming to consolidate the top spot in the group to secure direct qualification for the World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the United States.

Commissioner Matjaž Kek is expected to rely on the offensive tandem formed by Sesko and Gradisar. In the midfield, Seslar and Stojanovic on the outsides, with Cerin and Elsnik in the middle of the field, defense headed by’former Udinese player Bijol.

On the opposite front, Yakin is intent on confirming Freuler (Bologna) in the midfield along with Xhaka and Rieder, with the attacking trident formed by Ndoye, Embolo and Mazambi. In defense Akanji (Inter) with Elvedi.

Probable lineups

Slovenia (4-4-2): Oblak; Brekalo, Bijol, Drkusic, Karnicnik; Seslar, Cerin, Elsnik, Stojanovic; Gradisar, Sesko. Coach: Kek.

Switzerland (4-3-3): Kobel; Widmer, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka, Rieder; Ndoye, Embolo, Mazambi. Coach: Yakin.

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