Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
Following a routine 3-1 win over Bulgaria, Switzerland will be looking to retain top position in Group C when they take on Lithuania at Kybunpark. The Rossocrociati are undisputedly one of the teams to beat in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, and it is no wonder bookies see them as hot favourites to win Sunday’s game. Despite finding the net in the opener, Benfica striker Haris Seferovic is unlikely to feature against Lithuania as Switzerland take on Finland on Wednesday.
The Lithuanians experienced all sorts of problems in a friendly game against Kosovo (0-4), which is yet another reason why we are tempted to put our money on Vladimir Petkovic’s troops. Regardless of which players will be deployed in the starting XI, Lithuania are unlikely to spoil Switzerland’s party in St. Gallen. You should bear in mind that Switzerland are eyeing their fourth consecutive win over Lithuania in all competitions.
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 (Lithuania):
Lithuania was occupied by Soviet Union in 1940 and 50 years later they regained their independence. The Lithuania national football team played their first official game on June 24, 1923, with the team suffering a heavy 5-0 loss to Estonia in Kaunas.
The former Soviet republic have yet to book their place at the finals of a major tournament, but they were competitive in the UEFA Euro 2004 qualifiers as they managed to play out a draw with Germany on the road. Lithuania managed to beat Scotland in the qualifiers for the 2004 European Championship, but they eventually failed to book their place at the showpiece tournament in Portugal. Marius Stankevicius is considered Lithuania’s most notable footballer as he played for the likes of Lazio, Hannover, Sampdoria, Sevilla and Valencia in the past.
LFF Stadium is the home ground of the Lithuania national football team and the venue, who capacity is 5.067, was opened in 2004. Lithuania play their home games on artificial turf.