Cédric Zesiger

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Cédric Zesiger's Prospects for the FIFA World Cup 2026: Analysis and Latest News

Cédric Zesiger, the 27-year-old Swiss center-back, appears to have strong prospects for inclusion in Switzerland's squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026. His recent club form, permanent move to a Bundesliga side, and continued involvement with the national team position him favorably.

Latest News and Club Performance:

Cédric Zesiger's career has seen significant developments in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup cycle. After initially moving to VfL Wolfsburg in July 2023, he expressed dissatisfaction with his playing time by December 2024. This led to a loan move to FC Augsburg in January 2025, a decision that proved beneficial for his career. By May 2025, Augsburg exercised their buy option, making his transfer permanent on a four-year contract. Since joining Augsburg, Zesiger has been a consistent starter, featuring in 15 games during his loan spell and contributing to two clean sheets and providing two assists. He has been lauded for his physical presence, aerial ability, and robust playing style. His market value stood at €7 million as of the 2025/26 season. He has overcome minor injuries, including an ankle issue in April 2024 and a hip injury in January 2025, neither of which caused extended absences.

National Team Involvement and World Cup 2026 Qualification:

Switzerland has already secured its spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026, qualifying as winners of UEFA Group B with an unbeaten record of four wins and two draws. This marks their sixth consecutive appearance at the global finals.

Cédric Zesiger has been a part of the Switzerland national team setup, having earned 6 caps since his debut on September 1, 2021. He was also included in Switzerland's Euro 2024 squad. Notably, in March 2025, he was identified as the "third most experienced" defender in the national squad, with four international appearances at that time, during a "casting" period by coach Murat Yakin to assess defensive options for the World Cup qualifiers. This indicates that the national team coach actively considered him for the qualification campaign and views him as a viable option in defense, especially given the relative lack of extensive international experience among other defenders beyond veteran Ricardo Rodriguez and Eray Cömert. Zesiger has been listed in recent Switzerland national team squads for the World Cup qualifiers in November and December 2025.

Analysis of Prospects for FIFA World Cup 2026:

Cédric Zesiger's move to FC Augsburg has revitalized his club career, providing him with consistent playing time in a top European league. This regular exposure to high-level competition is crucial for maintaining match fitness and form, which are key factors for national team selection. His inclusion in recent national team squads and his status as a "third most experienced" defender highlight his standing within the team's defensive hierarchy, particularly as coach Murat Yakin looks to integrate new and younger players.

While Switzerland's defense features experienced players like Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi, Zesiger's consistent club performance and his existing caps make him a strong contender for a place in the final World Cup squad. His physical attributes and ability to play as a left-sided center-back offer valuable versatility. Given Switzerland's successful qualification campaign and the coach's emphasis on developing defensive options, Zesiger's continuous club form and national team call-ups suggest he is firmly in contention for a spot at the FIFA World Cup 2026. His prospects appear promising, provided he maintains his current level of performance and remains injury-free.