'Absolutely not', international boss dismisses Sunderland star 'last dance' question | OneFootball

Murat Yakin has dismissed talk of a World Cup farewell for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, who will lead Switzerland at the 2026 tournament. The 33-year-old midfielder has 144 caps and remains central to Yakin’s plans.

“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. I also know that he’ll be moving on after the World Cup. I’m happy about that. He always has to be fit and physically at his peak,” he told Blue Win.

Questions had been raised over how long Xhaka could balance international duty with his Sunderland commitments, but Yakin indicated he has no concerns.

“Ultimately, we have to get through the group stage as well as possible so that we can then face opponents in the play-offs who didn't finish in first place. We want to play the best World Championship ever. And we have the potential and the quality in the team.”

The World Cup will be staged in North America.

Source: Sunderland Echo