Women's World Cup: Switzerland Women's Team Profile

Switzerland are preparing to make just their second appearance at the World Cup after being drawn in a group with Norway, Philippines and co-hosts New Zealand.

The ninth edition of the Women's World Cup takes place between 20th July and 20th August with Australia and New Zealand sharing hosting responsibilities.

A lack of experience at the highest level of international football could prove to be an issue for Switzerland and they are priced at 250/1 To Win Outright the Women's World Cup.
 

Switzerland's World Cup record:

Switzerland failed to qualify for the first six editions of the World Cup.

They had to wait until 2015 to make their debut when Canada hosted and the USA went on to win the competition for the third time.

The Swiss picked up one win - beating Ecuador 10-1 - and two defeats in Group C but progressed to the last-16 stage as one of the four best third-placed teams.

Drawn against hosts Canada in the knockout phase, Switzerland came away on the wrong side of a 1-0 defeat in Vancouver.

La Nati didn't qualify for the 2019 World Cup in France.
 

How Switzerland Qualified:

Switzerland would have been pleased with their draw in qualification after landing in Group G with Italy, Romania, Croatia, Lithuania and Moldova.

Italy were the only nation in the section to have previously qualified for a World Cup and it was no surprise to see Le Azzurre finish top with nine wins and one loss from their 10 outings.

Nils Nielsen, who was Switzerland's head coach through the qualifying campaign, led them to a second-place finish, securing a place in the play-offs, courtesy of eight victories, one draw and one defeat.

A 2-1 win in Italy was the highlight of their group stage commitments, while they also recorded a 15-0 victory over Moldova - their biggest ever win.

They were the best-ranked second-placed nation and subsequently went straight into the second round of the play-offs.

The play-off tie against Wales was full of drama with the game ending 1-1, meaning extra-time was required and Fabienne Valerie sealed victory in the 120th-minute.

Midfielder Coumba Sow was Switzerland's leading scorer through qualifying with the Servette midfielder registering eight times.
 

The Manager - Inka Grings:

Nielsen oversaw Switzerland's successful qualifying campaign but he left his post after February's double-header against Poland with Inka Grings appointed as his replacement.

Grings has been in charge for two fixtures, drawing with China and losing against Iceland in April.

The former striker hung up her boots in 2014 after playing for FCR 2001 Duisburg, FC Zurich Frauen, Chicago Red Stars and FC Koln.

She was also a regular for the German national side and scored 64 goals in 96 appearances.

Since moving into management, Grings has enjoyed spells in charge of MSV Duisburg, FC Viktoria Koln Under-17, SV 19 Straelen and FC Zurich Frauen.

Grings' stint with fourth-division side Straelen between 2019 and 2020 saw her become the first female to coach in the top four tiers of men's football in Germany.

The 44-year-old has primarily opted for a 4-4-2 but she has also experimented with a 4-3-3.
 

Confirmed Switzerland Squad: 

Switzerland are yet to confirm their squad for the Women's World Cup. Here are the 25 players who have been selected for the provisional squad.

Goalkeepers: Gaelle Thalmann (Real Betis), Seraina Friedli, Elvira Herzog, Livia Peng

Defenders: Noelle Maritz, Viola Calligaris, Luana Buhler, Julia Stierli, Naomi Megroz, Lara Marti, Nadine Riesen, Ella Touon, Kattalin Stahl

Midfielders: Lia Walti, Geraldine Reuteler, Coumba Sow, Sandrine Mauron, Riola Xhemaili, Seraina Piubel, Marion Rey

Forwards: Ana Maria Crnogorcevic, Fabienne Humm, Alisha Lehmann, Meriame Terchoun, Aurelie Csillag
 

Switzerland's Key Players: 

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ramona Bachmann ranks third on Switzerland's all-time appearance list and second in their scoring rankings - picking up 131 caps and netting 57 times.

Ana Maria Crnogorcevic is the only current player ahead of the 32-year-old in both categories and the duo are both set to be in the final squad.

Bachmann's vast experience for club and country makes her an integral part of the set up with the national side.

Sow is another to keep an eye on as the tournament develops after hitting a team-high nine goals through qualifying.
 

Switzerland's Group Fixtures:

Group A
Philippines v Switzerland, Dunedin, 21st July 2023
Switzerland v Norway, Hamilton, 25th July 2023
Switzerland v New Zealand, Auckland, 30th July 2023