FC Winterthur has been officially certified as an SFV/SFL performance centre starting from the 2026/27 season. The Swiss Football Association (SFV) announced the news this week. Meanwhile, Patrick Rahmen's first team has begun the new Challenge League campaign in fourth place with seven points from four matches. The club has scored nine goals and conceded only four.
What does the certification mean for the youth setup?
The SFV confirmed the successful certification following a two-year development process. Marc Hottiger, Head of Youth Development at the SFV, and Sven Christ, responsible for partnerships and performance centres, conducted the assessment. To achieve the status, clubs must meet strict requirements in the sporting, educational, and personal development of young players. The certification recognises the continuous improvement of FC Winterthur's youth work. It ensures talents are optimally prepared for a professional career. The club now meets the standards defined by the SFV and the Swiss Football League.
What is the current form of the first team?
FC Winterthur's first team is in a positive phase. The team has taken two wins, two draws, and suffered only one defeat in its last five league games. Their recent form reads WWLDD, and they are on a two-game winning streak. The last match was a 2-0 away win at Rapperswil-Jona on 21 August 2026. This performance is reflected in the table, where the club has a solid goal difference of +5 from nine scored and four conceded. A full overview of recent results is available on our stats page.
What challenge awaits in the Swiss Cup?
In the second round of the Swiss Cup, Super League side FC Luzern will face FC Winterthur. SRF reported on the draw which produced this tie between the promoted side and the established top-flight club. The second-round matches are scheduled for 16-18 October 2026. For Winterthur, this is their first cup challenge of the season. Patrick Rahmen's team enters the match as an in-form second-tier side. The team has proven in recent weeks that they are difficult to beat.
How is the U19 squad composed?
According to data from Transfermarkt, FC Winterthur's U19 squad consists of 22 players. The average age is 17.9 years, and four foreign players are in the squad. The team plays its home matches at the Schützenwiese, like the professionals. This youth team benefits directly from the new performance centre certification. The structural improvements aim to further smooth the path from youth to the professional squad. The full squad can be viewed on our squad page.
What's next for FCW?
The focus now shifts entirely to the next league fixture. On 1 September 2026, FC Winterthur travels to face 10th-placed Stade Nyonnais. A victory could move the club closer to the top, as they trail leaders Stade Lausanne-Ouchy by just three points. Preparations for the cup appearance in October are also underway. The current positive form provides grounds for optimism in both competitions. The exact league position can be tracked on our standings page.
