Serbia faces Switzerland this Friday at 20:00 on the final day of Group G, a clash that could decide fate for both teams. After a difficult start to the World Cup, Switzerland heads into the match with momentum and a clear path to the knockout round, banking on European strength and cohesion to push into the last 16. The Swiss team brings a steady rhythm and a resolve that makes them a formidable obstacle as the group stage nears its conclusion.
Serbia arrived in Qatar with expectations shaped by strong performances in qualifying, where they defeated teams like Portugal and positioned themselves as potential contenders in the tournament. Yet their campaign has been uneven, and the group has proven tougher than anticipated. Currently, Serbia sits with only one point, with the Swiss and Cameroon showing varying levels of form that keep Serbia’s progress tightly tied to the outcome of this decisive match. The road ahead demands resilience amid pressure as minutes tick away and results remain unsettled.
Their 2-0 loss to Brazil in the opening game was understandable given Brazil’s vast talent, but the 3-3 draw with Cameroon proved more painful for Serbia. The European side briefly surged ahead but could not maintain the edge, forcing them to chase results in a group where every point counts. Now the focus shifts entirely to Friday’s battle against Switzerland, where a win would keep Serbia’s hopes alive while simultaneously shaping the dynamics of tiebreakers if Cameroon and Brazil also draw or collide later in the round. In short, it is a must-win scenario that tests Serbia’s ability to manage pressure and sustain performance across 90 minutes and beyond.
In this match the spotlight falls on striker Dusan Vlahovic, who has returned from a minor fitness setback and is ready to contribute minutes alongside Aleksandar Mitrovic, with Filip Kostic and Andrija Zivkovic delivering the necessary width. The Serbian attack will rely on a balanced front line, with Vlahovic’s presence offering a dangerous target while Mitrovic provides physical presence and finishing ability. The midfield engine, including Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Luka Milivojevic, will look to control tempo and create chances for the attacking quartet, while the defense, anchored by Nikola Milenkovic and Strahinja Pavlovic, must stay compact against a Swiss frontline that has shown opportunistic finishing and disciplined defense.
Switzerland, meanwhile, finished second in Group G with three points after opening with a 1-0 win over Cameroon. A 1-0 loss to Brazil followed, but the team remains in contention for a place in the knockout rounds, contingent on results elsewhere and their own performance in this decisive matchup. If Cameroon fails to defeat Brazil, a Swiss victory or even a draw could secure advancement, making this game a pivotal moment in their campaign. Switzerland has not lost two consecutive World Cup matches since 1994, a historical note that underscores the potential stability of their approach if they avoid a defeat on Friday. They will need a sharper attack and better finishing to maximize their chances against Serbia’s organized defense and high-intensity pressing game.
Embolo will play a crucial role in the Swiss attack, supported by Shaqiri in an XI that has balanced strength and experience. Shaqiri, one of the most capped Swiss players in World Cup history, will look to dictate play from the wings or behind the striker, while Embolo’s pace and directness threaten Serbia’s back line. For Switzerland, the challenge is to translate possession into meaningful chances and to stay compact at the back, neutralizing Serbia’s build-up through the center and forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. The Swiss team has shown resilience, but the encounter with Serbia demands consistent execution and a willingness to press high when possible to disrupt Serbia’s rhythm.
Historically, Serbia and Switzerland have met in a World Cup context with mixed outcomes. In the most recent group-stage meeting in Russia 2018, Switzerland claimed a 2-1 victory. The upcoming clash is not just about the scoreline; it also carries a political layer as tensions around regional independence perceptions surface in public displays, adding a charged atmosphere to the event. Serbia has publicly expressed its stance on Kosovo’s independence, and players are expected to tread carefully on national symbols and messages while competing on the world stage. These elements add pressure but also highlight the emotional dimension athletes sometimes bring to major tournaments, underscoring the high-stakes nature of this fixture for both nations.
Data sheet
possible alignments
SERBIA: V. Milinkovic-Savic; Veljkovic, Milenkovic, Pavlovic; Zivkovic, S. Milinkovic-Savic, Lukic, Kostic, Tadic; Mitrovic and Vlahovic.
SWITZERLAND: Sommer; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Xhaka, Freuler, Sow; Shaqiri, Vargas, Embolo.
Judge
Fernando Rapallini (ARG).
stadium
Stadium 974.
Hour
20.00/World Goal and Movistar+.