Sweden Faces Tough Challenges in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers After Draw and Loss
Sweden struggles in World Cup qualifiers, trailing against Kosovo after a prior draw with Slovenia.
Key Points
- • Sweden currently trails 0-2 against Kosovo in qualifier match.
- • Team's prior match ended in a 2-2 draw against Slovenia, with late equalizer conceded.
- • Coach Jon Dahl Tomasson emphasizes the need for a tactical change and win against Kosovo.
- • Star player Alexander Isak remains on the bench, stirring debate about team selection.
Sweden's World Cup qualifying campaign has begun poorly, with the national team managing only a draw against Slovenia and currently trail 0-2 to Kosovo. After a disappointing end to the match against Slovenia, where they conceded an equalizer in the 90th minute, Sweden was forced to regroup quickly, but the team has struggled to find its form.
In their latest qualifier against Kosovo, as of halftime, Sweden found themselves down 0-2 after Kosovo scored two goals in quick succession. Elvis Rexhbecaj struck first in the 26th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after a save from Swedish goalkeeper Robin Olsen, followed by Vedat Muriqi doubling the lead just before the halftime whistle. Viktor Gyökeres had Sweden's best chance to score, but it went unconverted, showcasing the team's current offensive struggles.
Coach Jon Dahl Tomasson kept the same starting eleven from the Slovenia match, notably leaving star player Alexander Isak on the bench again, a decision that has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Tomasson has been vocal about the need for a better tactical approach, emphasizing the team's over-reliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play. "It’s not negotiable anymore," he stated, pressing the urgency for a win against Kosovo to restore morale and confidence.
This slow start in the qualifiers raises concerns, particularly given that Sweden needs to be among the top teams in their group to secure a spot for the 2026 World Cup in North America. The results from the previous matches indicate an alarming trend in performance consistency and tactical execution that Tomasson needs to address urgently to avoid further disappointment. Sweden still could qualify even if they finish third or fourth, depending on other results, but the margin for error is quickly disappearing as they hope to regain their footing going forward.