Switzerland made their début appearance in 1934. Their best performances were quarter-final appearances in 1934, 1938, 1954 and 2026.

In 1934, Switzerland lost a close quarter-final 3-2 to Czechoslovakia. Four years later, the Swiss booked their place in the quarter-final by defeating Germany 4-2. The eventual runners-up, Hungary ended the Swiss run at the quarter-final stage.

In Brazil 1950, the Swiss team went out in the first round, but in the 1954 World Cup, they played their way into the quarter-finals as the tournament hosts. However, after leading 3-0, they allowed Austria to fight back to claim a 7-5 victory and semi-final spot.

In 1962 and 1966 Switzerland failed to progress beyond the first round, and in 1994 they headed home after a 3-0 loss to Spain in the second round.

Switzerland has participated at the World Cup at all events since 2006. At the 2026 World Cup they reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954, matching their best-ever performances.

1934

Switzerland reached the quarter final of the 1934 FIFA World Cup, but lost 2-3 to Czechoslovakia.

1938

Switzerland reached the quarter final of the 1938 FIFA World Cup, but lost 0-2 to Hungary.

1950

Switzerland didn't make it out of Group 1 at the 1950 FIFA World Cup.

1954

Switzerland reached the quarter final of the 1954 FIFA World Cup, but lost 5-7 to Austria.

1962

Switzerland didn't make it out of Group 2 at the 1962 FIFA World Cup.

1966

Switzerland didn't make it out of Group 2 at the 1966 FIFA World Cup.

1994

Switzerland reached the Round of 16 at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, but lost 0-3 to Spain.

2006

Switzerland reached the Round of 16 at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, but lost to Ukraine on penalties.

2010

Switzerland didn't make it out of Group H at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

2014

Switzerland reached the Round of 16 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but lost 0-1 to Argentina.

2018

Switzerland reached the Round of 16 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but lost 0-1 to Sweden.

2022

Switzerland reached the Round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but lost 1-6 to Portugal.

2026

Switzerland qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and were drawn into Group B alongside Canada, Qatar, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. They topped the group and went on to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954.

Switzerland finished top of Group B, drawing 1–1 with Qatar before beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 4–1 and Canada 2–1. In the Round of 32, they beat Algeria 2–0. This was the team's first World Cup knockout win in 88 years. Next, they edged Colombia in the Round of 16, drawing 0–0 and winning 4–3 on penalties.

Their run ended in the quarter-finals, where holders, Argentina beat them 1–3 after extra time.

Date Round Result Opponent
13 June Group B 1–1 Qatar
18 June Group B 4–1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
24 June Group B 2–1 Canada
2 July Round of 32 2–0 Algeria
7 July Round of 16 0–0 (4–3 pens) Colombia
11 July Quarter-final 1–3 (a.e.t.) Argentina

Trivia

  • Short-sighted Swiss center-forward Poldi Kielholz had to wear spectacles in matches of the 1934 finals. Despite his visual limitation, he scored three goals in two matches.
  • The first match played indoors was at the Pontiac Silverdome in Detroit, USA on 18 June 1994, in a match between USA and Switzerland.
  • Switzerland's 2–0 win over Algeria in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup was their first victory in a World Cup knockout match in 88 years, since the 1938 tournament.