Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
Switzerland
Match Time & Date:
09/10/2021
01:45 PM
Prediction: 1-0
Northern Ireland
After playing out a goalless draw at Windsor Park, both Switzerland and Northern Ireland will be looking to return to winning ways when they face each other at Stade de Geneve on Saturday. The Rossocrociati failed to turn their dominance into victory in Belfast, with Bailey Peacock-Farell saving Haris Seferovic’s penalty. Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel has been ruled out with injury, while influential midfielder Granit Xhaka is out of contention with a knee problem.
The good news for the hosts is that former Liverpool ace Xherdan Shaqiri returns to the squad. The Green and White Army, on the other hand, are not regarded as good travelers, which is probably the main reason why home win should be considered. Defender Jonny Evans is a major doubt, while midfielder Steven Davis returns to contention for the visitors.
Highlighted Player (Xherdan Shaqiri):
Another impressive player who emigrated to Switzerland, Xherdan Shaqiri is a midfielder with excellent technical qualities, very strong in taking players on and creating chances for his teammates, while also being a danger from set pieces. The Serbian-born footballer formed an excellent midfielder pairing with Granit Xhaka at FC Basel, before making a high-profile move to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2012.
Shaqiri went on to prove a great deal of potential at Allianz Arena, scoring 11 goals in 52 Bundesliga matches, but he decided to leave in search of first team football, first joining Inter Milan and then moving to Stoke City. It was at Britannia Stadium that the attacking midfielder rediscovered his form and if he continues playing at such a high level, it won’t be long before he returns to the biggest stage.
Even when he was not playing regularly at club level, Shaqiri would always reserve his best performances for the national team, as witnessed by 17 goals in first 50 caps. The midfielder was especially impressive at the 2014 World Cup finals, where he scored no fewer than three goals.
Highlighted Team (Northern Ireland):
Competing first under the Irish flag and then as an independent entity, Northern Ireland are one of world’s oldest national teams, but they haven’t enjoyed too much success in history. Led by Danny Blanchflower, the Irish impressed at their first ever World Cup finals appearance, reaching the quarter-finals in 1958, but they have since only played at the 1982 and 1986 tournaments, reaching round 2 and crashing out in the group stage respectively.
Northern Ireland had failed to qualify for 13 successive European Championship finals before finally booking their ticket to the Euro 2016 in France, and the fans hope this success will only be a sign of things to come. Without a doubt, George Best is the most famous footballer to have ever put on the green shirt, scoring 9 goals in 37 appearances, but he couldn’t help the national team close the gap behind Europe’s top sides.
Some of the other high-profile footballers include Pat Jennings, Aaron Hughes, David Healy, Keith Gillespie, Steven Davies and Gareth McAuley.
Southampton
Liverpool
Ipswich
Manchester United
Napoli
AS Roma
Leganes
Real Madrid
Lazio 
Bologna 
Nice 
Strasbourg 
