Sweden's Road to 2026 World Cup Starts with Challenges and Optimism
Sweden's national football team faces tight qualification schedule and player fitness challenges ahead of 2026 World Cup.
Key Points
- • Jon Dahl Tomasson critiques short qualification period for World Cup.
- • Team faces Slovenia, Kosovo, and Switzerland in upcoming matches.
- • Alexander Isak expected to play a substitute role in the first match.
- • Dejan Kulusevski optimistic about recovery from injury.
As the Swedish men's national football team gears up for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches, head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson has expressed concerns over the tight qualification schedule that spans a mere two and a half months. The qualifiers kick off with Sweden facing Slovenia and will also include matches against Kosovo and Switzerland. Tomasson stated, "If I'm honest, I'm not so happy that it's such a short qualification. This system is made for the bigger nations, and I don't like it," indicating that the compressed timeframe may disadvantage Sweden's chances.
Despite these concerns, there is optimism within the squad. Player Isak Hien noted that the brief qualification period may still allow teams to gather momentum quickly. The ultimate goal remains clear: the top team in the group will secure a direct spot in the World Cup, while the runners-up will have a chance to advance through playoffs.
In terms of player fitness, Alexander Isak has been a focal point of discussion this week. Coach Tomasson does not regard Isak as a fit 90-minute player yet, although he recognizes the forward as a potential "game changer" for the first match against Slovenia on September 12, entailing that Isak is likely to come off the bench. Tomasson’s strategy illustrates the delicate balance of managing player fitness while aiming for success in crucial matches.
On the injury front, Dejan Kulusevski has been sidelined with a knee issue but remains hopeful for a swift recovery, sharing, "I could return in a very, very short time, within 2-3 months". Although he won't be available for selection in the matches, Kulusevski plans to support his teammates, emphasizing the need for intensity against Slovenia. He stressed, "We must play like men every second," as he remains confident about Sweden’s World Cup aspirations.
With the opening match just days away, the Swedish team will look to find both resilience and unity to navigate a challenging path towards the World Cup in 2026.