Denis Zakaria
RB
Balanced Full Back
Nov 20, 1996 (29)
Right
6'3"
168 lb
Records chance created
Zakaria had one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-1 loss against Argentina.
Analysis: Zakaria started at right-back once again as the Swiss tried to stop Lionel Messi and Argentina, with the midfielder playing defender, earning one tackle won, two interceptions and two clearances. He would also add a shot and a chance created in the attack, although he ended the World Cup without a goal contribution. However, he would be heavily subdued due to his defensive role, with his best contributions being five clearances, eight tackles and nine interceptions.
Defensive effort in round of 16
Zakaria recorded one cross (zero accurate) and one tackle in Tuesday's 0-0 (4-3) penalty shootout win versus Colombia. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 59th minute.
Analysis: Zakaria was deployed at right-back for the third time in the 2026 World Cup, with his most relevant stats coming from defensive contributions during the knockout victory. Having yet to score or assist, the versatile player has operated as an occasional source of crosses, tackles and interceptions. He could be expected to remain busy in future rounds, mainly if Luca Jaquez (undisclosed) remains out.
Four interceptions in win
Zakaria was injured and subbed out in the 87th minute of Thursday's 2-0 win against Algeria. He had two shots (one on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and one chance created before exiting the match.
Analysis: Zakaria was directly involved in Switzerland's decisive second goal in Thursday's 2-0 win over Algeria, playing a key role in the move that led to Dan Ndoye's low drive at the start of the second half after a Rafik Belghali clearance fell to the Nottingham Forest winger, also registering two shots (one on target), four crosses (one accurate), four interceptions and three tackles (three won) across his 87 minutes before being replaced by Silvan Widmer, possibly due to a knock. His all-round contribution across two World Cup appearances has established him as an important member of the Swiss squad, with the versatility to operate effectively in multiple positions across the pitch.
Six crosses in draw
Zakaria had two shots (one on goal) and six crosses (one accurate) in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Qatar. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 42nd minute.
Analysis: Zakaria delivered one of the most complete individual performances on the pitch in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Qatar, operating as the right center-back in Switzerland's back three and registering two shots, six crosses and two interceptions in a role that demanded both defensive solidity and consistent attacking contribution from wide areas whenever his side pushed forward. The versatile midfielder was everywhere, with his ability to advance from the right side of the backline and deliver balls into the box creating multiple dangerous situations for Dan Ndoye and Breel Embolo throughout the match, while his two interceptions highlighted his composure in reading Qatar's rare attacking transitions. Zakaria was one of Switzerland's standout performers in the World Cup opener and will be a key figure in their attempt to bounce back against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday after the cruelest possible ending to a match they had dominated from start to finish.
Own goal leads to loss
Zakaria had an own goal, three tackles (two won), four clearances and three interceptions in Sunday's 1-0 loss to Lille.
Analysis: Zakaria had a rough day to say the least, as despite three tackles won, three interceptions and four clearances in the defense, he would go on to score an own goal in the 72nd minute. This would lead to his club's loss. He still serves in the defense for the club, killing the minor value he used to hold.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare