On June 24, Swiss midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, after defeating Canada and securing a place in the knockout stage, shared insights about the team's close bond and revealed who the "golf king" is in the squad.

In a tournament where players and staff may have to stay in hotels for extended periods with a schedule stretching up to six weeks, strong bonds both on and off the pitch are crucial. Typically, off-pitch relationships directly affect on-pitch performance and vice versa.

Some teams strengthen their bonds through card games, table tennis, or other small games, while the Swiss team chose an entirely different sport—golf.

Midfielder Shaqiri revealed this in an interview with FIFA after Switzerland secured a spot in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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

"I play quite well, sometimes well, sometimes average, but I don't officially keep track of my handicap. The best player in the team must be Kobel; his handicap is very low. Although I'm not sure of the exact number, he's really very good."

After a 2-1 victory over hosts Canada, Switzerland secured first place in Group B and will remain in Vancouver to prepare for the Round of 32. If they continue to advance, they will also play in the Round of 16.

The victory also significantly boosted team morale, creating a more relaxed atmosphere within the squad.

Dortmund star Kobel said after the match: "It feels amazing. Our goal was to top the group, and we did it, so it's a fantastic feeling. I think the team is integrating very well into this tournament; it's a natural process, and we're getting better after each match."

These views were also shared by Shaqiri. He stated that the team will not set limits for themselves at this point but will focus on progressing one step at a time.

"It's difficult to predict how far we can go, but I can say we have a very good team. First and foremost, the most important thing is that we've gotten through the group stage, and we're also top of the group, which is very important."

"Winning allows us to rest better and keeps the team feeling good. Our overall performance in the first three matches was good, and although the first result wasn't ideal, we ultimately achieved two wins and a draw, which gives us confidence."

"The team is currently in fantastic form, and many players are performing at their peak. Our overall atmosphere is also very good; everyone jokes around a lot and is very relaxed, which gives us confidence for the upcoming matches."

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

Kobel also stated in an interview with FIFA that he is confident he can maintain his lead in the team's golf challenge. "In our team, I'm probably the best golfer," Kobel said.

"I don't have an official handicap record, so I shouldn't boast too much, but I've played some difficult courses and achieved quite good results."

"I wasn't exposed to golf when I was young; I only started playing after becoming a professional athlete. So it's hard to say whether I could turn professional in the future, but I really love the PGA Tour; I'm a loyal fan."

"If I had to name my favorite players, I don't want to only mention the most obvious names, but I've played with some German professional golfers, such as former world top 50 player Marcel Siem. In the Swiss team, if we're only talking about skill level, I think I could be the best."

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