Johan Manzambi is closing in on a spot at the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Whilst seeing him in a Swiss shirt is no longer a novelty, his rise to this point has been dizzying. After all, just a decade ago he was roaming fan zones to follow the Nati at UEFA EURO 2016 at the tender age of ten.
“I really began to understand football when I started following Switzerland,” the midfielder explained. Manzambi was already watching the World Cup, but without supporting any particular country. “Up to then, I only really followed the World Cup itself, not any specific team.”
A devoted supporter of the Nati, the Geneva-born player has followed his national team avidly ever since, all the while keeping the dream of wearing his country’s shirt in the back of his mind. That idea took root and stayed with him throughout his footballing journey, from his development at Servette Geneva to when he signed for the U-19 squad at SC Freiburg. While he got his first taste of international-standard football with the Swiss national youth teams, his goals became clearer once he moved to Germany.
“As soon as I signed with Freiburg, the World Cup in 2026 became a target for me.” And that target is now within his reach.
When he made the step up to the German Bundesliga last season, it did not take long for Manzambi to start living up to his growing reputation, and he quickly established himself among the team’s starters. His breakthrough was closely monitored by national team coach Murat Yakin, who called him up to the squad last June for a fairytale tour of North America.
Coming on as a substitute in his country’s 4-2 win over Mexico, the Geneva native was promoted to starter for the side’s next match, a 4-0 win over the USA. Against the Stars and Stripes, he made his presence known, providing an assist for Michel Aebischer in the 23rd minute, before slotting the ball past Matt Turner 13 minutes later for his first international goal.
“Honestly, it was incredible. I did not expect it,” he recalls. “In the moment, it felt quite normal. It was only afterwards, with all the messages I received, that it sank in.”
Having passed the test against two of the FIFA World Cup 2026 host nations, Manzambi has become an increasingly integral part of Yakin’s plans, with his talent and fearlessness impressing the coach and fans alike. He has also shown himself to be a key figure for Freiburg, who have impressed in the Bundesliga. The club made the UEFA Europa League semi-finals for the first time this season, and also reached the last four of the German Cup, though suffering a 2-1 loss in extra time to Stuttgart.
“I think these matches with Freiburg will be good preparation for what awaits me at the World Cup,” admits Manzambi, though he is careful to not get carried away. “When I’m with Freiburg, my mind is on Freiburg. But when I’m with Switzerland, my mind is on Switzerland alone.”
While he is waiting for the World Cup squad to be confirmed before fully turning his attention to the tournament, Manzambi’s stake to a place on the team is strong. His striking ability, “inspired by Paul Pogba”, can turn around many situations, with his versatility also a valuable asset.
“I think I’m flexible in how I play. Midfield is my natural position, but I can play as a No6 or a No10.”
Despite his preferences, Manzambi was given the No9 shirt for Switzerland, one usually reserved for strikers. “When I arrived, that number was free so they gave it to me,” he smiles, without seeing it as an indication of his role. Yaiın has also made use of him further up the pitch. “I think I also performed well there, I was able to score goals.”
If more proof of his potential was needed, he was also named Swiss Young Player of the Year 2025 by both the Swiss Football Association and the Swiss Football League.
Having scored twice in qualifying, both times after coming off the bench, Manzambi is equally capable of starting a match or coming on to give his team a boost at the end. Whatever role he is given, the former Servette FC player in ready for the challenge awaiting the Nati in Group B, where they will face Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada and Qatar. Given their recent form, their 19th-place position in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking and their consistent presence at major tournaments since 2006, Switzerland seem to be group favourites.
“Being the favourite is understandable, but we will approach each match as we usually do,” Manzambi stated, adding that he expects an intense atmosphere in Vancouver on 24 June for Switzerland’s match against Canada. “We know how it feels to play at home. It gives you an extra edge. But we are better than before. We can go toe-to-toe with anyone.”
Though representing his country at a World Cup would be a dream come true for Manzambi, he is hoping for “at least one assist”. When the tournament begins, he will surely be thinking of the fan zones where he used to watch the likes of Granit Xhaka with admiration.
“I find it incredible that I used to watch him play on TV when I was little, and now I play alongside him. He’s someone you can only learn from. He has given me a lot of advice, especially regarding leadership and the mental aspect of the game.”
When Switzerland’s most-capped player is ready to call time on his international career, the Swiss public can take heart knowing that Manzambi is ready to take over.
