Manuel Akanji at the 2026 World Cup: Switzerland

Manuel Akanji at the 2026 World Cup

Manuel Obafemi Akanji is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a defender for Serie A club Inter Milan, on loan from Premier League club Manchester City, and the Switzerland national team. Manuel Akanji lines up as Switzerland's centre-back, and his job is anchoring the defence.

Switzerland go into the tournament as dark horses at 1% per Polymarket's live market, and if they are to go deep they will need to manage aging spine, which puts the spotlight squarely on Manuel Akanji. Alongside Dan Ndoye, he gives Murat Yakin's side a spine to build around.

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Switzerland's Group B fixtures

@ Qatar1–1

vs Bosnia and HerzegovinaMatchday 2

vs CanadaMatchday 3