Switzerland at the World Cup
Switzerland made their début appearance in 1934, where they 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.
Their best performances were quarter-final appearances in 1934, 1938 and 1954.
Qatar 2022 will be Switzerland's 12th participation at the World Cup.
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.
Related Pages
- About the women's team from Switzerland at the FIFA Women's World Cup
- List of all countries who have participated in the World Cup
- FIFA World Cup Home
- About Sport in Switzerland
