World Cup 2026: Xhaka Insists Switzerland Will Give “Everything” Against Argentina

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka says his side is ready to give everything in Saturday’s FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Argentina as they chase a place in the last four for the first time in decades.

Naija News reports that Switzerland booked their quarter-final spot after beating Colombia on penalties in the Round of 16 and now face the reigning world champions led by Lionel Messi. Xhaka admitted stopping the Argentine captain will be a huge challenge but insisted the Swiss side have prepared thoroughly for the task.

“Regarding the fans, keep dreaming. I am a person who always dreams, and dreams can come true,” he said at a pre-match press conference in Kansas City.

“And if we want to fulfil our dreams, you need to work, you need to sweat, you need to give it 100 per cent. And sometimes you need to do something new. You really need to push your limits if you want to beat Argentina. And I’m convinced my team is ready.”

The midfielder also stressed that Switzerland must stay organised to limit Messi’s influence throughout the contest.

“I don’t know if we can stop him for over 90 minutes. It is going to be difficult,” he said.

“However, we have to be very smart. We’ll have to be compact, close the gaps, and not give him too much space. We will try, obviously, to play in position. When we have the ball, he won’t be able to act as much.

“After 72 years, to be able to be here with Switzerland and to play against a reigning champion, it just makes me very proud. But I am not here to talk. I want to take the next steps. And we are very close to the end and I am yearning for it.

“I am hungry and now we just need to show how much we really want it on the pitch. We are very well prepared and we need to showcase our mentality and I am sure that we can really bother Argentina.”