On June 24, Swiss footballers Xherdan Shaqiri, midfielder, and Gregor Kobel, goalkeeper, spoke about the team's strong bond after defeating Canada and advancing to the knockout stage, revealing who the "Golf King" is within the squad.

In a tournament that can require players and staff to remain in hotels for extended periods and endure a schedule spanning up to six weeks, strong team cohesion both on and off the pitch is crucial. Off-pitch relationships often directly impact on-pitch performance, and vice versa.

Some teams build camaraderie through cards, table tennis, or other games, but the Swiss team has chosen a completely different sport: golf.

Midfielder Shaqiri revealed this in an interview with FIFA after the Swiss team advanced to the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.

"The atmosphere throughout the team is very good. We're together almost all day and get along really well. We do many activities, and one of the most recent is playing golf."

"I play reasonably well—sometimes well, sometimes average—but I don't keep an official record of my own score. The best player on the team should be Kobel. His score is very low; although I'm not sure of the exact number, he's really good."

After this 2-1 victory over hosts Canada, the Swiss team secured first place in Group B and will remain in Vancouver to prepare for the Round of 16. If they continue advancing, they will also compete in the quarterfinals.

The victory significantly boosted team morale and created a more relaxed atmosphere.

Borussia Dortmund star Kobel said after the match: "It feels very good. Our goal was to win the group, and we did it, so it's a great feeling. I think the team is gelling well in this tournament—it's a natural process and we improve with each match."

Shaqiri shared these sentiments. He said the team won't set limits for now, but will focus on progressing step by step.

"It's difficult to predict how far we can go, but I can say we have a very good team. First and foremost, it's crucial that we've advanced to the next phase and finished first in our group."

"Winning gives us better rest and keeps the team feeling confident. Our overall performance in the first three matches was good. Although the result of the first match wasn't ideal, we ultimately got two victories and a draw, which gives us confidence."

"The team is in excellent form right now, and many players are at their peak. Our overall atmosphere is very good too; everyone jokes around and is very relaxed, which gives us confidence for the upcoming matches."

A week's rest in Vancouver also gave the team an opportunity to continue with their golf activities.

Kobel also told FIFA in an interview that he's confident he can maintain his lead in the team's golf challenge. "Among our team, I'm probably the best player," said Kobel.

"I don't actually have an official handicap record, so I can't boast too much, but I've played on some difficult courses and my scores have been quite good."

"I didn't start playing golf as a child; I only began after becoming a professional player. So whether I'll turn professional in the future is hard to say, but I really like the PGA Tour; I'm a loyal fan."

"If I had to name my favorite players, I don't want to mention just the obvious names, but I've played with some German professional golfers, like former top-50 player Marcel Siem. On the Swiss team, if we're just looking at ability, I think I could be the best."

Traducido por IA.

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