City in central Switzerland, capital of the canton of Lucerne
A wave of glacier retreat in the Alps has exposed remains and artifacts from people missing for decades. In Switzerland, hikers have uncovered Belgian mountaineers near Weissmies, while other glaciers reveal German and Japanese climbers, plane parts, and ancient corpses. DNA testing confirms identities as climate-driven melt accelerates.
Switzerland has named its 25-man squad for Nations League fixtures against Scotland, Slovenia and North Macedonia, with captain Granit Xhaka returning after a strong World Cup and Boteli scoring again for his club. Uncapped defender Sascha Britschgi is included for the first time, and Zachary Athekame is back from loan to Lyon. Matches begin Sept. 29 in Scotland, with home games in Lucerne.
Granit Xhaka has withdrawn from Switzerland’s Nations League squad as prosecutors review a possible criminal case over a vaccination certificate obtained during the Covid pandemic. Embolo is also unavailable as the Swiss focus on upcoming matches against North Macedonia, Scotland, and Slovenia.
A year of record heat has accelerated glacier melt across Europe. In Switzerland, glacier volume has shrunk sharply and forestalling ice may be gone in some ranges. Exhibits in Lucerne reveal relics of the thaw, while scientists warn that high temperatures are reshaping alpine ecosystems and livelihoods.
Switzerland has seen captain Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo cleared to rejoin the national team for November Nations League matches after probation terms were considered; both players faced sanctions for obtaining fake vaccination certificates. The SFV says return is responsible and the coach will name the squad on 5 November.