Granit Xhaka’s international future has been clarified ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with Switzerland manager Murat Yakin dismissing suggestions that the Sunderland midfielder could be approaching a final appearance on the global stage.
According to comments given to Blue Win, Yakin made it clear he expects Xhaka to continue beyond the tournament, despite growing discussion around a possible “last dance” for the experienced midfielder.
Granit Xhaka World Cup future addressed by Switzerland manager
Xhaka has remained a central figure for both club and country this season, captaining Sunderland since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in July 2025 and continuing to play a leading role for Switzerland.
When asked directly about the possibility of the upcoming World Cup marking the end of his international career, Yakin was quick to dismiss the idea.
“No, absolutely not. I can’t imagine that. As long as he’s in this kind of health, he’ll play as long as possible.” — Murat Yakin, via Blue Win
The response underlines the confidence within the national setup that Xhaka will remain an important presence beyond the tournament.
Sunderland role reinforces long-term importance
Since joining Sunderland, Xhaka has taken on immediate responsibility as captain under Régis Le Bris, becoming a consistent figure in midfield throughout the campaign.
His influence has extended beyond leadership, with regular minutes and steady performances helping stabilise the team during key stretches of the season.
From the matches we’ve followed involving Sunderland this year, Xhaka’s role has been less about standout moments and more about control, structure and reliability in possession. That consistency appears to have strengthened his standing with the national team as well.
However, it remains dependent on his fitness levels over the coming months, particularly given the physical demands of both domestic and international football.
Recent fitness concerns eased ahead of key period
There had been some concern last month when Xhaka missed a friendly against Norway due to a minor injury. At the time, Yakin had addressed those issues, but there is now evidence the problem has been resolved.
The midfielder completed the full 90 minutes in Sunderland’s recent 1-0 league win over Tottenham Hotspur, suggesting he has returned to full fitness at an important stage of the season.
Granit Xhaka stats highlight consistent involvement
| Stat (2025/26) | Granit Xhaka |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 30 |
| Total Minutes | 2,488 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 5 |
source: sofascore match data – 17 April 2026
His usage reflects a player still trusted to handle a heavy workload, both at club level and internationally.
Key Insights
- Switzerland manager Murat Yakin expects Xhaka to continue beyond the World Cup
- The idea of a “last dance” has been ruled out
- Xhaka remains a key figure at Sunderland as captain
- Recent injury concerns appear to have been resolved
- His consistent minutes support his continued international role
What’s Next
Xhaka is expected to remain central to Sunderland’s plans in the closing weeks of the Premier League season, with fixtures continuing through April and May 2026.
Looking ahead, he is likely to feature prominently for Switzerland at the World Cup, with decisions on his long-term international future expected after the tournament concludes.
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