Granit Xhaka - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates | FOX Sports

Links back up with squad Xhaka has linked back up with Sunderland's squad at the Academy of Light, following his summer commitments with Switzerland at the World Cup, according to the club.

Impact Xhaka made 34 Premier League appearances last season, contributing one goal and six assists, and captained Switzerland to the World Cup quarterfinals, finishing the tournament with six appearances, one goal and two yellow cards while converting his shootout penalty in the round of 16 win over Argentina. His return to the group now shifts focus to preseason preparations as he continues leading the squad into the new 2026/27 Premier League season.

AUGUST 6 • ROTOWIRE

"He wants to stay" - Manager confirms Premier League star will not join Chelsea Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has said that midfielder Granit Xhaka, a Chelsea target, wants to remain at the Stadium of Light, having arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer o...

JULY 27 • SPORTSKEEDA.COM

Delayed return from World Cup Xhaka will not travel with Sunderland's squad to the United States after progressing to the latter stages of the World Cup, the club announced.

Impact Xhaka is instead set to join the group once preseason is further along, missing the club's trip that includes friendlies against Liverpool, Leeds United and Wrexham across three states. His extended international run pushes back his individual buildup compared to teammates already traveling. Xhaka is expected to work through a tailored reintegration program before rejoining full training with Sunderland.

JULY 22 • ROTOWIRE

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka spoke about how the red card decision changed the game

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka spoke about how the red card decision changed the game

JULY 12 • FOX SPORTS

Three shots, no goal Xhaka had three shots (one on goal) and three crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 3-1 loss to Argentina.

Impact Xhaka poured his heart onto the field as he tried to get Switzerland into the semifinals, as the midfielder played the full 90 while recording three shots and three crosses. The veteran didn't leave the field once in this tournament as he remains the backbone of the team, potentially having played his final World Cup. He would record one goal on nine shots to go along with three chances created, five tackles and five crosses during the campaign, easily a Swiss legend if this is his final World Cup.

JULY 12 • ROTOWIRE

How Do You Stop Lionel Messi? Switzerland Focused On Simply Containing Argentina’s GOAT

Switzerland hoping to upset Argentina and reach first World Cup semifinal in nation's history.

JULY 10 • FOX SPORTS

How Do You Stop Lionel Messi? Switzerland Focused On Simply Containing Argentina’s GOAT

Look at what it means for Granit Xhaka 🇨🇭

Look at what it means for Granit Xhaka 🇨🇭

JULY 7 • FOX SPORTS

Wins five duels versus Colombia Xhaka registered one shot (zero on goal) in Tuesday's 0-0 (4-3) penalty shootout victory against Colombia. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 51st minute.

Impact Xhaka recorded the full 120 minutes, ranking third on the team with 84 accurate passes and four clearances from his usual midfield role. Additionally, the Sunderland man won half of his individual duels and converted his shootout penalty to help his side progress to the quarter-finals stage. He has performed consistently at a high level, with his all-around impact being a key reason for Switzerland's success, and he'll hope to remain influential in a tough clash against Argentina.

JULY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Controls midfield in shutout Xhaka had two tackles (two won) and two interceptions in Thursday's 2-0 victory against Algeria.

Impact Xhaka registered two tackles (two won) and two interceptions across his 90 minutes in Thursday's 2-0 win over Algeria, steering Switzerland's defensive shape with authority from deep midfield as the team shifted into a five-man midfield block out of possession to stifle Algeria's attempts to find Riyad Mahrez in dangerous areas. The Sunderland captain completed 61 passes and won ten duels, with his leadership and positional discipline ensuring Switzerland never allowed Algeria any sustained attacking momentum after falling behind. His ability to control the game's tempo and organize the defensive block make him the most important individual in the Swiss squad heading into the round of 16 against Colombia or Ghana.

JULY 3 • ROTOWIRE

Chelsea in talks with Granit Xhaka's representatives over shock transfer as Xabi Alonso eyes reunion with ex-Bayer Leverkusen pupil

Chelsea have reportedly entered talks with the representatives of Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka over a potential summer move to Stamfor...

JUNE 28 • goal

Chelsea in talks with Granit Xhaka's representatives over shock transfer as Xabi Alonso eyes reunion with ex-Bayer Leverkusen pupil

Small numbers in Canada meeting Xhaka registered one shot (zero on goal), one tackle (zero won) and two clearances and was booked in Wednesday's 2-1 win versus Canada.

Impact Xhaka handled the ball with the usual expertise in the midfield but didn't stand out on either end, as Switzerland cruised to a relatively easy win and only had to defend late in the match. He has taken at least one shot in all three fixtures, amassing five attempts (one on target), burying one PK and recording also three key passes, two crosses (zero accurate) and three tackles (one won).

JUNE 25 • ROTOWIRE

Scores penalty in victory Xhaka scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Thursday's 4-1 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Impact Xhaka converted a VAR-awarded penalty in the seventh minute of stoppage time to make it 4-1, stepping up after Ermin Mahmic was fouled inside the box just moments after coming off the bench, capping a dominant performance that vaulted Switzerland to the top of Group B. He orchestrated play from deep for most of the match, helping the Swiss control possession, contributing two shots, one chance created, two tackles (one won) and one interception. Xhaka's penalty was his first goal of this World Cup and Switzerland will look to build on this commanding victory in their final group fixture against Canada on June 24.

JUNE 18 • ROTOWIRE

Granit Xhaka puts the exclamation point on this one He converts his penalty and make it 4-1 for Switzerland

Granit Xhaka puts the exclamation point on this one He converts his penalty and make it 4-1 for Switzerland

JUNE 18 • FOX SPORTS

Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Extended Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Extended Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

JUNE 18 • FOX SPORTS

Granit Xhaka puts the exclamation point on this one He converts his penalty and make it 4-1 for Switzerland🇨🇭

Granit Xhaka puts the exclamation point on this one He converts his penalty and make it 4-1 for Switzerland🇨🇭

JUNE 18 • FOX SPORTS

Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka converts penalty kick in stoppage time vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka converts penalty kick in stoppage time vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

JUNE 18 • FOX SPORTS

Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

JUNE 18 • FOX SPORTS

Sets tempo in opener Xhaka generated two shots (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Qatar.

Impact Xhaka captained Switzerland with authority in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Qatar at Levi's Stadium, setting the tempo from deep midfield and registering two shots and one interception as his side dominated possession and territory throughout the 90 minutes before Boualem Khoukhi's stoppage-time header denied all three points. The Sunderland midfielder orchestrated play in the second half as Switzerland pushed relentlessly for the second goal that would have put the match beyond doubt, combining defensive discipline with progressive ball-carrying in a performance that underlined why he remains Switzerland's most important player at 33. His side generated 26 total attempts and controlled the match from start to finish, making the stoppage-time equalizer all the more devastating for a captain who gave everything over 90 minutes in what should have been a winning World Cup opener.

JUNE 14 • ROTOWIRE

Qatar vs Switzerland Extended Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

Qatar vs Switzerland Extended Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

JUNE 13 • FOX SPORTS

Qatar vs Switzerland Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

Qatar vs Switzerland Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

JUNE 13 • FOX SPORTS

Swiss midfield engine Xhaka has been named in Switzerland's World Cup squad as the undisputed leader and creative engine of the national team, arriving at the tournament off the back of a strong debut P...

Impact Xhaka contributed one goal and six assists alongside 34 key passes and 50 tackles across 34 Premier League appearances this season, cementing his status as one of the more complete midfielders in the English top flight in his first campaign at the club. His set-piece responsibilities at Sunderland further underline his importance as a dead-ball specialist at club level, though with Switzerland it is Ruben Vargas who handles set-piece duties for the national team, with Xhaka potentially taking on penalty responsibilities during the tournament. Xhaka is the heartbeat of the Swiss midfield, bringing the experience, leadership and technical quality that sets the tone for everything the team does on and off the ball. His ability to dictate tempo, win duels and deliver in high-pressure moments makes him one of the most reliable players in manager Murat Yakin's setup, and the Swiss will lean heavily on his influence as they look to navigate what promises to be a competitive group stage. At 33, Xhaka arrives at what could be his final World Cup with the maturity and authority of a player who has performed consistently at the highest level for over a decade, and Switzerland's chances of making a deep run in the tournament are directly tied to how well he performs when the stakes are at their highest.

JUNE 1 • ROTOWIRE

Group B Preview: Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland

Group B Preview: Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland

MAY 31 • FOX SPORTS

Earns assist Xhaka assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton. In addition, he was given a yellow...

Impact Xhaka earned his first goal contribution in some time Saturday, as the midfielder found Nordi Mukiele for the opening goal in the 17th minute. This marks his first goal or assist since the new year, with his last coming Dec. 28. He is now up to six assists on the season in 31 appearances, also adding a goal.

MAY 3 • ROTOWIRE

Forest takes big step to ensuring Premier League survival by drubbing Sunderland

Nottingham Forest has taken a huge step toward ensuring its Premier League survival by beating Sunderland 5-0 away from home

APRIL 24 • Associated Press

World Cup co-hosts Canada look for breakthrough on home soil in Group B

The pressure is on Canada as co-host to advance past the group stage for the first time at the World Cup

APRIL 12 • Associated Press