Granit Xhaka: Sunderland star becomes Switzerland World Cup history-maker vs Qatar

Granit Xhaka and Switzerland were left frustrated in their opening World Cup group game against Qatar, in what was a milestone match for the Sunderland man.

The 33-year-old was undoubtedly one of the pound for pound signings of the 2025-26 Premier League season.

Claiming the captain's armband in his debut campaign for Sunderland, he was instrumental in the Black Cats' seventh-placed finish in the top flight last term.

Saturday night saw Xhaka make his 146th international cap for Switzerland, as they began their World Cup campaign in San Francisco.

Qatar were the Swiss' matchday one opponents, with Murat Yakin's team hoping to live up to their 'dark horse' tag that many have been placing on them for this tournament.

However, despite dominating proceedings in the Bay Area, Xhaka and his comrades were left crestfallen come the full-time whistle.

How did Granit Xhaka fare for Switzerland vs Qatar?

After taking an early lead on 17 minutes through a Breel Embolo penalty, Switzerland looked good value to go on and beat Qatar comfortably.

Indeed, their 68 per cent possession, 26 shots on goal and 42 touches in the opposition box - per FotMob - suggests that they absolutely should've done.

But that's now how things would pan out for them, as Boualem Khoukhi's powerful header earned Qatar a point in the 94th minute.

As such, with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada also drawing 1-1 in their opening match, all four sides in Group B sit level on one point after matchday one.

Xhaka played the full 90 minutes against Qatar, and the Swiss captain made history by setting a new Switzerland record for World Cup appearances alongside Ricardo Rodriguez, with this game being their 13th.

The Sunderland midfielder completed 95 per cent of his passes, whilst also creating two chances and playing 16 passes into the final third.

He also was accurate with all five of his long ball attempts, as well as making nine recoveries, one interception and committing zero fouls.

In total, Xhaka took 80 touches against Qatar, putting in a performance that deserved to see him mark his milestone day with a win, but that wasn't to be.

When are Switzerland and Xhaka next in action?

Group B looks to be wide open for anyone of Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia or Qatar to progress from.

The Swiss are the clear best team on paper, and would've all but secured their place in the knockouts had they held on for the win against Qatar.

However, their draw now means the pressure is well and truly on when they play Bosnia in their next match on Thursday 18 June.

That one kicks-off at 8pm UK time, before their final game of the groups sees them take on Canada on Wednesday 24 June, again at 8pm UK time.

If Switzerland are to avoid embarrassment in the group stages, then they're going to have to lean heavily on Xhaka's evergreen quality and experience to pull them through.