FIFA World Cup 2026 Will Not Be The Last For Sunderland Veteran: Does It Serve The Club Well?

Now, Switzerland manager Murat Yakin has addressed the talk around Xhaka’s international future directly, telling Blue Win: “No, absolutely not. I can’t imagine that. As long as he’s in this kind of health, he’ll play as long as possible,” when asked if the upcoming World Cup would be Xhaka’s final bow for his country. Yakin also confirmed Xhaka plans to keep playing for the national team well beyond the tournament, noting that the captain just needs to stay fit and sharp.

Xhaka is Switzerland’s record appearance-maker, and the numbers are staggering; he has featured in 12 matches across three World Cups and earned 144 caps since his 2011 debut. After missing five straight club games with an ankle injury, Xhaka eased back in with a planned 45 minutes against Germany in March before playing the full 90 in Sunderland’s 1-0 win over Spurs, putting any fitness worries to bed.

Does Xhaka’s international longevity actually serve Sunderland well?

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: Granit Xhaka of Sunderland celebrates victory following the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on April 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The obvious worry is that a 33-year-old captain juggling club and country duties is a bit of a gamble. It’s a fair point, especially since Yakin admitted Xhaka was feeling the strain of a heavy schedule when he pulled him out of training before the Norway friendly last month.

But the reality is that Sunderland gain a lot from having a player of his stature. Xhaka’s experience is central to Switzerland’s World Cup hopes this summer, even as Sunderland push to break into the European spots in the Premier League. A player motivated enough to lead both his club and his country through a major tournament is a player who is completely dialled in, and that kind of energy rubs off on the rest of the dressing room.

Yakin’s public backing of Xhaka’s fitness also sends a signal to Sunderland fans that the midfielder isn’t looking to take it easy. As long as Le Bris handles his minutes carefully through the rest of the season, Sunderland have one of Europe’s most seasoned midfielders playing at the top of his game, rather than winding down.