Vancouver, July 2 -- Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel says he is filled with pride after successfully stepping into the role of the nation's first-choice goalkeeper.

Speaking ahead of the Swiss team's crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 showdown against Algeria in Vancouver, the 28-year-old reflected on how his tournament experience four years ago in Qatar fundamentally shaped his transition into a world-class starter.

Having travelled to the 2022 World Cup as an understudy to veteran Yann Sommer, the Borussia Dortmund shot-stopper has firmly established himself as Switzerland's undisputed No. 1 for the North American tournament.

Speaking to FIFA, Kobel emphasised that representing his country on football's biggest stage remains...