Sweden Faces Crucial Challenge After Struggles in 2025 World Cup Qualifiers
Sweden's national football team struggles in the 2025 World Cup qualifiers as they prepare for a decisive rematch against Kosovo in Göteborg, reacting to recent losses and player perspectives.
- • Sweden lost 0-2 to Switzerland, leaving them last in their World Cup qualifying group with only one point from three matches.
- • Sweden seeks revenge against Kosovo after a 0-2 loss in Pristina, with Anthony Elanga and teammates motivated for the rematch.
- • Kosovo is performing unexpectedly well, contesting second place in the group and emphasizing a strong defensive strategy against Sweden.
- • Sweden's squad features key players like Alexander Isak from Liverpool, with intensified competition for attacking positions.
Key details
Sweden's men's national football team is enduring a turbulent 2025 World Cup qualifying campaign, marked by disappointing results and growing pressure ahead of a key match against Kosovo. The Swedish squad recently suffered a 0-2 loss to Switzerland in Stockholm, provoking boos from the home crowd dissatisfied with the team's performances. Despite this, Sweden retains a slim chance to qualify for the World Cup, currently sitting last in their group with just one point from three matches. Their next vital game is against Kosovo in Göteborg, a match charged with the desire for redemption following an earlier 0-2 defeat in Pristina.
Forward Anthony Elanga expressed strong motivation ahead of the upcoming encounter, stating, "I am very eager for revenge," highlighting the importance of the match for both national pride and personal aspirations to compete in the World Cup after narrowly missing out in 2022. Meanwhile, teammate Hugo Larsson reflected on the team's analysis of their previous loss and his personal health challenges but remains focused on overcoming setbacks. Alexander Bernhardsson also shared his enthusiasm about playing in his hometown, adding a personal layer of excitement to the fixture.
Kosovo, meanwhile, has surprised many with their promising performance, currently contesting second place behind unbeaten Switzerland. Fisnik Asllani, Kosovo's forward, voiced surprise over Sweden's poor start, noting that Sweden's attacking roster featuring players like Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, and Elanga would typically deliver stronger results. Kosovo's coach, Franco Foda, emphasized a defensive, aggressive approach to counter Sweden's offensive threats in what he anticipates to be a physically intense game.
Sweden's lineup includes notable European club players such as Viktor Johansson (Stoke City) and Alexander Isak (Liverpool), with the latter showing improved form that heightens competition for attacking positions. Both teams view their forthcoming matches as crucial opportunities to improve standings and bolster chances for World Cup qualification.
The Sweden-Kosovo match, scheduled for October 13, 2025, at Ullevi Stadium in Göteborg, promises to be a pivotal moment in the qualifiers, with both teams eager to assert control in a challenging group phase. Matches can be watched on Viaplay Sport for those interested in following the ongoing campaign.