Euro 2024 dark horses Hungary and Switzerland will both look to put down a marker when they meet in their Group A opener.
The nations, who are both ranked inside FIFA’s top 30, have been put inside a tough group with hosts Germany and Scotland.
With Germany heavy favourites on home turf and Scotland never having reached the last-16, Hungary and Switzerland both know victory here will ensure a major step towards the knockout rounds.
The Magyars sailed through qualifying after topping their group while the Swiss just about scraped through with four wins, five draws and one loss.
Hungary vs Switzerland: Date and how to follow
This Group A showdown will take place on Saturday, June 15.
Kick-off at the Cologne Stadium will be at 2pm UK time.
talkSPORT will have full coverage of the match and more details will follow nearer to the tournament.
To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
The tie will also be shown on free-to-air TV on ITV One.
Head-to-head
Hungary wins: 30
Draws: 5
Switzerland wins: 11
Hungary vs Switzerland: Team news and latest squads
Hungary have already named their 26-man squad for the tournament, with Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai the highlight.
However, Marco Rossi’s men is also packed with experience, with RB Leipzig pair Peter Gulacsi and Willi Orban at the back.
Switzerland are yet to confirm their full-squad but have named Manuel Akanji, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Granit Xhaka in their provisional list.
The Swiss are also sweating on the fitness of Denis Zakaria, and Newcastle defender Fabian Schar after both struggled with injuries.
Hungary squad:
- Goalkeepers: Peter Gulacsi (RB Leipzig), Denes Dibusz (Ferencvaros), Peter Szappanos (Paksi FC)
- Defenders: Botond Balogh (Parma), Endre Botka (Ferencvaros), Marton Dardai (Hertha Berlin), Attila Fiola (Fehervar), Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth), Adam Lang (Omonia Nicosia), Willi Orban (RB Leipzig), Zsolt Nagy (Puskas Akademia), Attila Szalai (Hoffenheim), Loic Nego (Le Havre)
- Midfielders: Bendeguz Bolla (Servette), Daniel Gazdag (Philadelphia Union), Krisztofer Horvath (Kecskemeti), Laszlo Kleinheisler (Hajduk Split), Mihaly Kata (MTK Budapest), Adam Nagy (Spezia), Andras Schafer (Union Berlin), Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool), Callum Styles (Barnsley)
- Forwards: Roland Sallai (Freiburg), Martin Adam (Ulsan HD), Barnabas Varga (Ferencvaros), Kevin Csoboth (Ujpest FC)
Switzerland squad:
To be confirmed…
Hungary vs Switzerland: Players to watch
Dominik Szoboszlai
The Hungary captain hit the ground running after Liverpool activated his £60million release clause at RB Leipzig in July.
Szoboszlai drew comparisons to Steven Gerrard having been a key part of the Reds’ revamped midfield at the start of the season.
However, the 23-year-old struggled with fitness and form in 2024 and will now look to bounce back for his country at the Euro’s.
Szoboszlai remains Hungary’s main star and male Athlete of the Year and dazzled all the way through their tournament qualification.
Granit Xhaka
The former Arsenal captain heads into this summer’s tournament in Germany after an outstanding campaign in the Bundesliga.
Xhaka was a key cog in Xabi Alonso’s historic Bayer Leverkusen side that went unbeaten domestically following his move from London.
The midfielder scored a trademark screamer to fire Leverkusen to DFB-Pokal glory a week after an unbeaten Bundesliga triumph.
Xhaka will now look to take that form into his Switzerland duty – he is currently the nation’s record appearance holder, with 123 caps.
Hungary vs Switzerland: What has been said?
Szoboszlai admitted he may have set his standards too high after his first season at Liverpool started brilliantly before tailing off.
“Perhaps I set the bar too high because I think there were certain matches where I couldn’t bring out the best in myself,” he told MLSZ TV.
“Or there are times when you don’t play well and in some people’s eyes you’re the worst player on the pitch, but it is not a problem because we get through these things together.”
On Szoboszlai’s role in Hungary’s system, Rossi told Nemzeti Sport: “I’ve seen so many claim he plays on the wing or higher up for Hungary.
“It’s simply not true. He’s got a free role. In some games, you will see him playing a lot deeper than he does for Liverpool.”
To lift the trophy:
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News Summary:
- Hungary vs Switzerland LIVE commentary: Date, venue and match preview ahead of Euro 2024 clash as Scotland’s group rivals meet
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.