Sweden Faces Key Injury Worries Ahead of Crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Sweden’s national football team struggles with injuries to key players ahead of critical 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Kosovo, with coach Jon Dahl Tomasson highlighting a 'captain's curse.'
- • Isak Hien and Anton Salétros are absent from group training with injury doubts ahead of matches against Switzerland and Kosovo.
- • Coach Jon Dahl Tomasson describes a 'captain's curse' affecting injured leaders including Lindelöf, Hien, and Kulusevski.
- • Sweden must win all remaining qualifiers or place second to keep World Cup hopes alive, with a possible fallback via the Nations League.
- • No replacements have been called up for Hien and Salétros despite their uncertain fitness.
Key details
The Swedish national football team is confronting significant injury troubles as they prepare for pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Switzerland and Kosovo. Coach Jon Dahl Tomasson has described the situation as a "captain's curse," highlighting the recurring injuries among key players who also hold leadership roles.
Notably, defenders and midfielders Isak Hien and Anton Salétros are currently not participating in group training due to injuries. Hien, who recently missed two matches for Atalanta due to a thigh injury sustained against Torino, and Salétros, dealing with back issues following a September collision, are both uncertain for the upcoming matches. Tomasson admitted, "We don’t know exactly how it will be," underscoring the uncertain fitness status of these vital team members. Despite their absence in training, the coach confirmed no replacement call-ups are planned at this time.
This injury pattern extends beyond Hien and Salétros, affecting other captains including Victor Lindelöf and Dejan Kulusevski, which seemed to indicate the so-called "captain's curse" troubling Sweden’s squad.
These concerns come as Sweden attempts to rebound from a sluggish start in the qualifying campaign, where they currently have just one point and trail group leaders Switzerland by five points. Upcoming fixtures against Switzerland at the Strawberry Arena, Kosovo at home, and subsequent matches will be crucial. Winning all remaining matches is essential to claim first place, but finishing second could still secure a playoff berth. Sweden also retains a potential lifeline through the UEFA Nations League standings.
While Sweden's qualification hopes face hurdles, key players like Alexander Isak—now gaining form at Liverpool—and Viktor Gyökeres remain central to their ambitions. There is optimism built around these talents and the home advantage as Sweden seeks a vital win against Switzerland.
As Tomasson navigates these injury challenges, the Swedish squad’s resilience and strategic choices will be decisive in their World Cup qualifying quest.