Sweden Suffers Controversial 0-2 Defeat to Switzerland in 2025 World Cup Qualifier
Sweden lost 0-2 to Switzerland in a World Cup qualifier marked by a controversial penalty, leaving Sweden at the bottom of their group but still with qualification hopes.
- • Sweden lost 0-2 to Switzerland in the 2026 World Cup qualifier at home.
- • A disputed penalty awarded to Switzerland led to the first goal by Granit Xhaka in the 65th minute.
- • Swedish captain Alexander Isak hit the post and Lucas Bergvall missed an open goal during the match.
- • Sweden remains last in their group with just one point after three matches but still has qualification chances via playoffs or Nations League.
Key details
Sweden was defeated 0-2 at home by Switzerland in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match held at the Nationalarenan, which saw a record attendance of 50,151 fans. The match was marred by a controversial penalty decision awarded to Switzerland in the 65th minute, converted by Granit Xhaka. SVT Sports expert Mikael Lustig criticized the penalty, saying, "It is hands in the back, but he does not touch the feet. I do not understand how it can be a penalty." Sweden's coach Jon Dahl Tomasson expressed disappointment over the loss despite the team creating enough chances to win.
Sweden had multiple scoring opportunities, including captain Alexander Isak hitting the post and a missed open goal by Lucas Bergvall. In stoppage time, Johan Manzambi sealed the win for Switzerland with a late goal. This defeat marks Sweden's second consecutive loss in the qualifiers, leaving them at the bottom of their group with only one point from three matches. They will next face Kosovo in Göteborg.
The Swedish fan atmosphere also became a talking point, as former national player Mikael Lustig expressed surprise and disappointment over fans booing during the national anthem and throughout the match, reflecting growing frustration with the team's performance.
Despite the setback, Sweden still has paths to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. They can secure direct qualification by winning their group, which includes Switzerland, Slovenia, and Kosovo. Alternatively, finishing second could lead to playoff matches in March, where they would compete for one of the remaining World Cup berths. Additionally, Sweden has a chance to qualify via the UEFA Nations League due to their ranking among group winners, provided certain conditions involving other teams' results are met.
The team and supporters now look ahead with cautious optimism as Sweden seeks to recover and improve its standings in a challenging qualification campaign.