Switzerland had a strong showing during qualification, leading UEFA's Group B for the majority of the process and falling to second only after a loss to Portugal in the final match. It qualified for the ensuing play-off round as the best second-placed team, and with the highest FIFA World Ranking of the lot, was drawn against Northern Ireland.
Conceding just seven goals in 10 group-stage matches, Switzerland's defensive mettle was on display again in the play-offs as a first-leg penalty from left-back Ricardo Rodriguez was all the Swiss needed to assure a spot in their 11th World Cup. But Vladimir Petkovic's men will need more than just defensive consistency in Group E, where tournament favourite Brazil eagerly awaits their opening match.
Group stage schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time |
|---|---|---|
| June 17 | Brazil | 2:00 p.m. ET |
| June 22 | Serbia | 2:00 p.m. ET |
| June 27 | Costa Rica | 2:00 p.m. ET |
Projected starting XI
Expect more of the same from Switzerland's familiar core in Russia. Petkovic has stayed true to his preferred options in his two-year stint as boss. When the country you coach is in line for its fourth straight World Cup, it's hard to find a reason to deviate from the norm, but there is room for minor changes.
Admir Mehmedi, who frequently operated on the left of midfield, is out after tearing a ligament in his foot, meaning Steven Zuber will likely continue in the role he's taken in recent friendlies. In defence, both Stephan Lichtsteiner and Ricardo Rodriguez are near locks at full-back, but Petkovic could opt for Borussia Dortmund's touted centre-back Manuel Akanji over stalwart Johan Djourou, as he did against heavyweight Spain on Sunday.
Related: Full squad lists for each nation
Key player: Xherdan Shaqiri
No surprise here. Stoke City's diminutive attacker will again be heavily responsible for Switzerland's creativity going forward.
Shaqiri's influence will likely originate from the right, although the 26-year-old will frequently drift inside to create opportunities on his preferred left foot. He can also play just behind a lone striker if needed, affording Petkovic some tactical variability depending on Switzerland's current situation.
He may also have a more personal motivation for a strong showing in Russia. The Potters are set for the Championship following their Premier League relegation this past season, meaning the World Cup could be Shaqiri's last chance to raise his value in the hopes of auditioning for a move to first-tier football for 2018-19.
Breakout star: Breel Embolo
The 21-year-old Embolo may be recognised by fans of Basel and Schalke after the latter signed the forward from the former for a reported €20 million in 2016, though he's yet to leave a lasting mark across Europe.
The Cameroon-born striker made his national team debut as an 18-year-old in 2015 and quickly emerged as one of the most promising youngsters on the continent. Despite his acclaim, Embolo failed to have much of an impact at Euro 2016, appearing in all four of Switzerland's fixtures but failing to score a single goal. His woes then continued that year as a devastating fibula and ankle fracture ended his debut season with Schalke after just seven Bundesliga matches.
Now, seemingly fully recovered from the setback, Embolo is expected to receive ample opportunities in Russia to erase the memory of his underwhelming Euro 2016. If he starts the tournament on the bench, efficient performances could quickly land him a spot in the starting XI again, helping him reinsert himself into the conversation of Europe's brightest young stars.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)
