Chicago Fire FC star Xherdan Shaqiri has been called up to represent the Switzerland national team for their crucial UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying matches this June. The attacking midfielder will join his national teammates after his final match with the Chicago Fire against Columbus Crew on June 10th, setting the stage for his participation in the upcoming international fixtures.
Switzerland, placed in Group I for the EURO 2024 qualifiers, will face Andorra and Romania in this window. Shaqiri is expected to play a key role as the Swiss Men’s Nati aims to secure their place in the prestigious European tournament. The first match will see Switzerland travel to Andorra la Vella to face Andorra on Friday, June 16th, at 1:45 p.m. CT. Following this away fixture, Switzerland will return home to host Romania on Monday, June 19th, at 1:45 p.m. CT at the Swissporarena in Lucerne. These matches are critical for Switzerland’s EURO 2024 qualification campaign, and Shaqiri’s experience and talent will be vital for their success.
Shaqiri brings a wealth of international experience to the Swiss squad. With an impressive record of 112 caps and 27 goals for Switzerland, he is a cornerstone of the national team. His contributions include memorable moments at major tournaments, most recently the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. During the World Cup, Shaqiri achieved a remarkable feat, becoming only the third player in history to score in three consecutive World Cups, highlighted by his goal in the thrilling 3-2 victory against Serbia. A veteran of four FIFA World Cups, Shaqiri has also showcased his skills at the UEFA EURO Championships in 2016 and 2020, as well as in the Nations League.
His extensive international career places him among Swiss football legends. Shaqiri’s 112 appearances for Switzerland tie him for third place with Alain Geiger in the all-time caps list (112 caps from 1980-1996). He trails only Heinz Hermann (118 caps from 1978-1991) and his current national teammate Granit Xhaka, who leads with 113 caps. This demonstrates Shaqiri’s enduring commitment and importance to Swiss football over many years.
Prior to joining up with the Swiss national team for EURO 2024 qualifying, Shaqiri has been a key figure for Chicago Fire FC in MLS. Since his arrival in 2022, making his debut on February 26th against Inter Miami CF, Shaqiri has played in 40 matches, starting 36 of them. His impactful performances led to him being named the 2022 Chicago Fire FC Most Valuable Player, underscoring his quality and leadership within the club. Now, he will transition from the MLS season to the international stage, aiming to carry his club form into the EURO 2024 qualifiers and help Switzerland on their path to Germany.
