Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
After losing to Ghana (0-2) in their last warm-up game, Switzerland will look to kick off their World Cup campaign in great manner when they face Cameroon on Thursday morning. The Rossocrociati were producing fine display in the last UEFA Nations League window, with the team beating both Spain and Portugal in the process, but The Indomitable Lions should not be written off just yet.
A man to watch in Murat Yakin’s team will be Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, and the good news for the nominal hosts is that Denis Zakaria (Chelsea) has overcome his injury. Meanwhile, Cameroon will surely rely on in-form Bayern Munich attacker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, with Napoli midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa being expected to play an important role Rigobert Song’s team. Anyhow, home win should be considered as Switzerland are a more experienced side than Cameroon, when it comes to participation at the major tournaments.
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 (Cameroon):
Cameroon are an African team that played their first ever game against Belgian Congo back in 1956. The Indomitable Lions made 7 appearances at the World Cup finals and they recorded their best result at the major tournament in 1990. Cameroon made it to the 1990 World Cup quarter-finals by beating Colombia in the last 16, but England proved to be a big catch for the African team.
Speaking of African Cup of Nations, Cameroon clinched their fourth CAN trophy in 2002, when they defeated Senegal in the title game. A number of world-class footballers played for the Indomitable Lions in the past and the likes of Samuel Eto’o, Rigobert Song, Roger Milla, Patrick M’Boma, Stephane Mbia and Geremi are the most notable players who were part of the Cameroonian national football team.
Samuel Eto’omade 118 appearances for Cameroon, scoring 56 goals for the national team and he is regarded as the team’s top scorer. Eto’o used to play for the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Everton and Sampdoria in the past.