Gregor Kobel reflects on his 2026 World Cup journey | OneFootball

In an interview with the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel reflected on his experience helping Switzerland reach the quarterfinals of the tournament for the first time since 1954.

“It was a great experience for me. What a tournament to play in. It’s always great to represent your country and feel the atmosphere there. To reach the quarterfinals with Switzerland, I think, is a great achievement.”

He continued: “For me personally, it was also a great tournament, and I was happy that I could help my team reach the quarterfinals and that we were able to play in this tournament as a country.”

The Swiss was Opta’s top-rated goalkeeper in the tournament. Kobel’s standout performance in their Round of 16 clash with Colombia was vital en route to the quarterfinal, winning 4-3 on penalties with a fantastic save to deny Cucho Hernández. The Borussia Dortmund No. 1 made three saves including one in extra-time to ensure a clean sheet. 

“It’s a big tournament, for sure. You feel the importance and the size of the tournament with all the fans watching. It was just a great experience to be on the pitch. For me personally, being able to help my team the way I did is also very nice. It makes me happy. It’s what you work and prepare for.”

The 28-year-old’s performance throughout the tournament turned heads among fans and fellow players. When asked whether this influenced how his opponents played, he said:

“I think that’s for other people to decide. Obviously, if players know your quality, they may act differently, especially in one-on-ones or other situations, because they know that it might be more difficult, depending on who you’re asking.”

Kobel was quick to bring the focus back to his own game, continuing:

“For me, I’m just focused on trying to give my best, trying to help my team as much as I can, and being the person I am, both vocally and on the pitch. The rest comes automatically.”

With just days before the season officially gets underway with Dortmund taking on Bayern for the DFL Supercup, there hasn’t been a whole lot of rest since the quarterfinal 3-1 defeat to Argentina for Kobel.

“There wasn’t much time to really calm down, but I still tried to get some energy with my family. I went to Mallorca and had a few good weeks with them. But, of course, I also had to prepare my body for the new season.”

Playing a starring role in his nation’s first World Cup quarterfinal in 72 years must feel like a career-high for the 28-year-old. When asked whether this summer’s tournament was the peak of his career, he remained optimistic about his future. 

“Yeah, I think it’s very much possible. But as a goalkeeper, I still have a lot of years ahead of me, as well. I’m very excited about what might be waiting in the future. But right now, I try to give my best every day. That’s what I always do, and I don’t think I’ll change anything about that in the future.”