Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- Qatar reach the finals for a second time, following the 2022 edition they hosted. Under Julen Lopetegui, the opener asks whether the Asian champions can show their quality on the world stage once again.
- Switzerland are seasoned regulars making a 13th appearance, having reached the Round of 16 in 2022. Murat Yakin lines up in a solid 3-4-2-1, looking to bring their familiar consistency to this tournament too.
- Switzerland are built around captain Granit Xhaka (33). The midfield command and game control honed at clubs like Arsenal make him the team's heartbeat, dictating tempo from a deep-lying role.
- The defensive cornerstones are Manchester City's Manuel Akanji (30) and Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel (28). With world-class talent at centre-back and in goal, this back line is among the tournament's most secure.
- Qatar's biggest weapon is Akram Afif (29), the 2024 Asian Footballer of the Year. Whether his dribbling and incisive passing on the left can unlock Switzerland's organised defence is the lifeblood of Qatar's attack.
- Up front for Switzerland, Breel Embolo (29, Monaco) holds the ball up centrally while Dan Ndoye (25, Bologna) provides thrust on the right, with the experienced Remo Freuler (34) underpinning midfield.
- Qatar's defence lines up with veterans such as the 35-year-old Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel. How a back line held together by experience copes with Switzerland's individual quality and height could decide the outcome.