Switzerland's World Cup Quarterfinal Exit Amid Controversy and Lehmann Feud
Switzerland lost 1-3 to Argentina in extra time during the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, playing with ten men for 50 minutes. Defender Manuel Akanji criticized referee decisions and fired back at Jens Lehmann for disrespectful pre-match comments. Despite the defeat, Akanji expressed pride in the team's historic quarterfinal run—their first since 1954—and thanked fans for their support.
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Swiss Star Manuel Akanji Hits Back at Jens Lehmann Over Disrespectful Comments
Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji responded sharply to former German national goalkeeper Jens Lehmann after Switzerland's 1-3 extra-time loss to Argentina in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal. Lehmann had earlier told Swiss newspaper 'Blick' that Swiss players were mainly looking forward to swapping jerseys with Lionel Messi. Akanji, speaking to ARD and Swiss television, called the remarks 'outrageous' and 'disrespectful,' noting that Switzerland played with ten men for about 50 minutes and were the better team until Argentina's 112th-minute winner. He highlighted Switzerland's consistent tournament performances, contrasting them with Germany's recent failures, including failing to reach the round of 16 in the last three World Cups. Akanji, who played all of Switzerland's World Cup games, said Lehmann's comments provided additional motivation for the team, which reached a World Cup quarterfinal for the first time since 1954.
BILD - SportSwiss Star Akanji Fires Back at Jens Lehmann Over 'Disrespectful' Comments
Switzerland national team defender Manuel Akanji has strongly criticized former German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann for mocking the Swiss team ahead of their World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina. Lehmann had suggested in a Swiss newspaper that the Swiss players were only interested in swapping jerseys with Lionel Messi. After Switzerland's narrow 1-3 extra-time loss, in which they played with ten men for 50 minutes, Akanji responded in post-match interviews, calling Lehmann's statements 'crazy' and 'extreme disrespect.' He highlighted Switzerland's strong performance, noting Argentina had few chances until the 112th minute. Akanji also pointed to Switzerland's superior recent tournament record compared to Germany, which failed to reach the round of 16 in the last three World Cups. The match marked Switzerland's first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 1954. Akanji, who played the full tournament for Switzerland, now plays for Inter Milan after his stint at Borussia Dortmund.
BILD - SportAkanji Thanks Fans After Switzerland's World Cup Exit
In the World Cup quarterfinal, Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time to advance to the semifinals. Following the match, Swiss defender Manuel Akanji posted on Instagram expressing disappointment at ending their World Cup journey in such a difficult way. He stated that the team gave their all on the field and felt proud of their collective achievements. Akanji also thanked every fan who trusted and supported the team throughout the tournament. The post reflects the emotional aftermath of a hard-fought elimination match.
虎扑 - 足球Akanji: I don't like blaming the referee, but today every decision went against us
After Switzerland's 1-3 extra-time loss to Argentina in the World Cup quarterfinals, Swiss center-back Manuel Akanji expressed pride in his team but sharply criticized the referee's officiating. In an interview with Swiss broadcaster SRF, Akanji stated that Argentina did not create any chances from open play and that every close decision went against Switzerland. He noted that Argentina received no yellow cards in the first 90 minutes, while Switzerland's Breel Embolo was booked. Akanji also acknowledged the quality of Argentina's Julian Alvarez, his former Manchester City teammate, who scored. Despite the loss and being a man down, Akanji praised his team's effort and stood behind Embolo.
虎扑 - 足球Swiss Defender Akanji Admits Penalty Was Terrible, Vows to Step Aside from Spot-Kicks
After Switzerland eliminated Colombia in a penalty shootout, defender Manuel Akanji candidly admitted his penalty was 'terrible' due to a last-second change of mind, and stated he has told the coach to let someone else take penalties in the future. Akanji discussed the team's preparation, including video analysis and encouragement from teammates. He praised the team's defensive effort despite offensive struggles caused by injury-enforced formation changes. Looking ahead to the quarterfinals against defending champions Argentina, Akanji called it the toughest possible challenge but expressed confidence in Switzerland's readiness. He reflected on the significance of reaching the World Cup top eight for Swiss football, noting the team's growing self-belief and ambition to go further, while acknowledging the difficulty of the path ahead.
虎扑 - 足球