Switzerland’s national team coach, Murat Yakin, is expected to announce the squad on Thursday for the two 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Kosovo and Slovenia.
Swiss newspaper Luzerner Zeitung reported that midfielder Leon Avdullahu would have been included in Yakin’s squad if he had not decided to play for Kosovo.
Avdullahu, who transferred this summer from Basel to Hoffenheim for 8 million Swiss francs, has impressed with his early performances in both the Bundesliga and the German Cup, where he started as a regular. Nevertheless, he chose to pursue his international career with Kosovo.
His decision sparked reactions in Switzerland, including from Basel captain Xherdan Shaqiri, who spoke about the matter.
“Leon certainly saw better prospects in Kosovo; otherwise, he wouldn’t have made this switch,” said Shaqiri, who was Switzerland’s key player until 2024.
Shaqiri and Avdullahu were two of Basel’s most important players last season, with Shaqiri leading the attack and Avdullahu acting as the midfield “brain.” Shaqiri emphasized that Avdullahu’s decision was personal.
“Of course, we talked about it from time to time in Basel, but Leon made the decision only with his family. I don’t think I had any influence. And after all, he has now had time to settle in at Hoffenheim,” Shaqiri added.
Kosovo was admitted to FIFA and UEFA in May 2016, during a period when the Football Federation of Kosovo also tried to persuade Shaqiri to join. However, he chose to remain with Switzerland, for which he played 125 matches and scored 32 goals before retiring.
Avdullahu is now expected to make his debut for Kosovo on September 5, precisely in Basel, the city where he developed as a footballer. The match against Switzerland will be the opening fixture for the “Dardanians” in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Zurich midfielder Bledian Krasniqi also welcomed Avdullahu’s decision.
“Avdullahu is an excellent player who will help us a lot. He’s a great addition,” he told Bluewin.
Krasniqi made his debut for Kosovo in June against the Comoros, having previously represented Switzerland at youth levels.
