Manzambi out for Swiss quarterfinal against Argentina – Yakin speaks of shock moment

The loss weighs all the heavier given that Switzerland has already made history by reaching the quarterfinals. For the first time since the 1954 home World Cup, the Nati is once again among the world's top eight teams – Switzerland has never reached a semifinal at a World Cup. Captain Granit Xhaka stressed that they were "proud" and wanted to take the next step: "But I didn't come here just to stand here, we also want to take the next step." Xhaka is 33 years old and has been playing in Switzerland again since this summer, having previously been at Bayer Leverkusen.

Historic chance for the Nati

Opponents Argentina entered the tournament as title holders and can call on Lionel Messi among others. Yakin described the South Americans as "very strong on the ball, they defend well and have a very good balance." Xhaka added: "If we show that unity once more, we can annoy Argentina too." He had also said: "We have to try to enjoy the game" – a key factor in the duel with the favorites.

The match will be played at the stadium of the Kansas City Chiefs. In Germany, the game will be broadcast in the early hours of Sunday from 03:00 CEST on MagentaTV. Should Switzerland progress, it would be the first World Cup semifinal in Swiss football association history.

Other headlines from the tournament

Away from the Swiss game, other nations also made headlines at this World Cup. The round of 16 match between the USA and Belgium averaged 50.1 million viewers in the United States – a record for a sporting event outside the NFL this century. Belgium won the match 4-1 and faces Spain in the quarterfinals; Spain has so far marched through the tournament without conceding a goal, with 19-year-old Lamine Yamal playing a central role. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said of him: "He has incredible potential, but we haven't seen the best Lamine yet."

Outlook: Semifinal as the new goal

There were also personnel changes off the pitch. Hugo Broos, 74, stepped down as national team coach after South Africa's elimination against Canada. According to media reports, association president Danny Jordaan wanted to retain him in a different role. Former South Africa assistant coach Pitso Mosimane is being mentioned as a possible successor. In Portugal, Jorge Jesus took over following the 0-1 defeat to Spain in the round of 16 in Arlington, Texas, succeeding Roberto Martínez, who had managed the team for 3.5 years and won the Nations League in 2025. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan announced a boycott of the rest of the World Cup after his team's elimination against Argentina ("Unrecht ist uns widerfahren" – "We have been wronged"), and association chief Hany Abo Rida criticized referee François Letexier and his assistants for alleged double standards.

Meanwhile, according to media reports, Manzambi himself is set to move from SC Freiburg to Newcastle United shortly, with the transfer fee reported to be around 60 million euros. Whether he can still play a role in the further course of the tournament – should Switzerland reach the semifinal – remained unclear on Friday evening.

Swiss fans, meanwhile, are looking ahead to the duel with the title holders with mixed feelings. Without their top scorer, the task for Murat Yakin's team becomes even greater, but the unity that was visible in the penalty shootout against Colombia could once again be the decisive factor.