Xhaka hits 150: Nati captain chases Matthäus record in Algeria duel
Granit Xhaka will play his 150th international match for Switzerland early on Friday morning - just one appearance away from Lothar Matthäus' European record. The game against Algeria is not only a duel for group victory in World Cup qualification, but also for Xhaka's place in football history. The 32-year-old midfielder leads the national team as captain and has proven to be an irreplaceable leader in 149 appearances.
His record includes 23 goals and 20 assists, which also includes participation in three major tournaments: EM 2021, World Cup 2022 and Nations League 2023. Against Algeria it is about winning the group in League B of the World Cup qualification; A win would take Switzerland straight into the round of 16. Xhaka has already played 149 international matches and is second on the European record list - just two appearances behind Matthäus' 160.
