The Swiss Keep Winning Without Xhaka And Embolo

Switzerland began their Nations League campaign with a 3-0 win over North Macedonia despite missing Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo. Can they keep winning without their leaders?

Switzerland began their UEFA Nations League campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over North Macedonia, and they did it without two of the most recognisable figures in their recent history. Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo were both absent as Murat Yakin’s side opened their League B campaign in Skopje. Between them, the captain and striker have accumulated 244 international appearances, making their absence a significant test for a Switzerland side that had just reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

Instead, Switzerland produced one of their most comfortable performances of the year. Remo Freuler opened the scoring before Zeki Amdouni added two more goals to complete a 3-0 victory and put Switzerland at the top of their Nations League group after the opening round.

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How Did Switzerland Cope Without Their Leaders?

The challenge was particularly obvious in midfield. Xhaka has been Switzerland’s captain and one of the team’s main organisers for years, but AC Milan midfielder Ardon Jashari stepped into a deeper role alongside Freuler and handled much of the responsibility. Jashari was heavily involved during the first half, while Switzerland’s wider midfield structure allowed Yakin’s side to maintain control. The Swiss Football Association noted that the team registered 17 attempts before half-time, illustrating how effectively they controlled the match.

The attack also found an answer without Embolo. Amdouni became the decisive player, scoring twice after Freuler had given Switzerland the lead. Zachary Athekame, meanwhile, provided both of Amdouni’s assists on an impressive senior international debut. That combination of established players and newcomers gave Yakin plenty to work with.

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Why Are Xhaka And Embolo Missing?

Xhaka’s absence has been the subject of particular attention. The Sunderland midfielder was left out of the Switzerland squad after admitting that he had obtained a fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination certificate during the pandemic. Swiss authorities are investigating the matter, while the Swiss Football Association and Xhaka agreed that he would not join the national team for this international window.

Embolo was also absent from the squad, although his situation is separate from Xhaka’s. The Swiss Football Association’s match report simply listed both players among those unavailable for the North Macedonia fixture, alongside injured players Denis Zakaria and Ruben Vargas. Their absence meant Switzerland was missing experience at both ends of the pitch, but the team showed little sign of being unsettled.

Has Switzerland’s Form Continued After The World Cup?

The 3-0 victory was Switzerland’s first match since their impressive World Cup run ended with a 3-1 extra-time defeat to Argentina in the quarter-finals. Before that defeat, Switzerland had beaten Algeria and Colombia in the knockout rounds, reaching the last eight of the competition for the first time in their World Cup history. The result against North Macedonia therefore continued a broader period of strong results rather than representing an isolated turnaround.

There is also a fresh element to this Switzerland team. Three players from the World Cup squad retired internationally, while Yakin introduced younger options, including Athekame, Sascha Britschgi, and Winsley Boteli. The new arrivals are being integrated into a side that still retains much of its established core. That balance could become one of the defining features of Switzerland’s next phase.

Can Switzerland Keep Winning Without Xhaka And Embolo?

The 3-0 win demonstrated that Switzerland can function without their two senior stars, but one match cannot establish that the team has permanently solved their absence. The next examination comes quickly. Switzerland travel to Glasgow on Tuesday to face Scotland, who opened their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Slovenia. The Swiss are already top of the group, while Yakin’s stated objective is to win promotion back to Nations League League A.

The Scotland match should provide a tougher test than the victory in Skopje. North Macedonia created little, while Switzerland dominated possession and chances for long periods. Scotland will offer a different physical and tactical challenge, particularly at Hampden Park. For now, though, Switzerland has shown that the departure or absence of key individuals does not necessarily have to halt their progress. Amdouni has emerged as an attacking difference-maker, Jashari has taken on more responsibility, and the younger players have been given an early opportunity to establish themselves.

Xhaka and Embolo remain important figures in Switzerland’s squad when available. But after a 3-0 win without both, Yakin has been given something every international coach wants: evidence that the team has more than one way of getting results. Can Switzerland maintain that momentum against Scotland and continue their push for promotion without two of their biggest names?

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