WILL MANUEL AKANJI PLAY IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP?

Manuel Akanji's Present

Manuel Akanji is experiencing a period of absolute footballing stability. Since arriving at Manchester City in 2022, the Swiss player has established himself as a key figure in the defense of England's most dominant team. In the 2024-2025 season, he has played over 40 matches across the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups, demonstrating enviable consistency.

Akanji stands out not only for his physical strength but also for his tactical intelligence. Pep Guardiola uses him as a center-back, right-back, and even as a midfielder when the system requires it. His adaptability has made him one of the most versatile players in the City squad, and his statistics back it up: 92% pass accuracy, 4.1 clearances per game, and 1.8 interceptions on average, according to Opta data. His role with the Swiss national team: With the Swiss national team, Akanji is one of the defensive pillars alongside Nico Elvedi. Since his debut in 2017, he has played more than 60 international matches and has participated in two World Cups (2018 and 2022), as well as several editions of the European Championship. His leadership in defense has been crucial in keeping Switzerland a competitive team in Europe. He has started in over 90% of Switzerland's matches since 2020. He averages 5 clearances per game for the national team. He was named Man of the Match at Euro 2024 against Italy. He has played over 4,500 minutes in official tournaments for Switzerland. Akanji is a quiet leader, one who doesn't need to shout to make his presence felt. His composure under pressure and his ability to read the game make him indispensable for a team that values ​​organization and defensive solidity.

Switzerland and the Road to the 2026 World Cup

The Swiss national team is currently in the qualifying phase for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With a more extensive format in Europe—16 direct spots—Switzerland's chances are high. The team managed by Murat Yakin combines experience with youth, and Akanji is the piece that balances that defensive puzzle.

Akanji's Stats in the Qualifiers

• He has participated in 7 of the 8 European qualifying matches.

• He averages a 94% pass completion rate when playing out from the back.

• He leads the team in duels won with a 68% success rate.

• He has only received one yellow card throughout the entire qualifying campaign.

Switzerland, true to its In this style, he maintains a compact and organized defense. Akanji, in this context, functions as the linchpin of a clean build-up and the first line of controlled pressure. His reading of the game and his composure are the keys to Switzerland's success, especially against more offensive opponents like Italy or France.

Can he reach the 2026 World Cup at his peak?

Everything indicates that he can. Akanji is 30 years old in 2025, which means he will reach the 2026 World Cup at 31, an ideal age for a central defender in his prime. Physically, he is in peak condition, and his experience at Manchester City, under the guidance of one of the most demanding coaches in the world, has allowed him to develop a highly technical and cerebral style of play. Furthermore, the Swiss player is an extremely disciplined athlete. Off the field, he is known to follow very strict mental and physical training routines. In fact, studies from the University of Basel have cited his concentration and decision-making abilities as examples of “applied sports intelligence.”

Curiosities and Legacy of Manuel Akanji

Behind the methodical footballer is a man full of curiosities that make him unique. Manuel Akanji was born in Neftenbach, Switzerland, in 1995. His father is Nigerian and his mother Swiss, a cultural mix that shaped his character and mindset. From a young age, he excelled not only in sports but also in his studies.

The Mathematician of Football

One ​​of the most curious facts about Akanji is his aptitude for mathematics. In numerous interviews, he has demonstrated his ability to solve complex mental calculations in seconds. This talent has earned him the nickname "the Swiss Einstein" among his City teammates. According to him, this ability helps him make quick decisions on the field: “Football is also geometry and probability,” he joked. He speaks four languages: German, English, French, and Nigerian Yoruba. He is a UNICEF Switzerland ambassador for his work with migrant children. He was included in the “UEFA Nations League 2023 Team of the Year.” He has a degree in Applied Sciences. His intellectual profile and calm demeanor make him a role model in the locker room. Guardiola has praised him several times, saying that “Akanji plays with his brain, not just his feet.” That combination of an analytical mind and a competitive spirit makes him a true modern defender. The future that awaits him: Everything points to Akanji not only playing in the 2026 World Cup, but also being one of Switzerland's leaders. His experience, composure, and tactical awareness solidify him as the type of player every coach needs in a high-pressure tournament. Over the years, he has become a symbol of consistency, the kind of footballer who makes others shine without seeking the spotlight. In an era where statistics and algorithms dominate football, Akanji represents the perfect balance between intelligence and passion. If Switzerland goes far in 2026, it will be largely thanks to his quiet leadership and impeccable understanding of the game. In short, everything indicates that Manuel Akanji will not only be at the World Cup, but will be one of the tournament's key defensive players.