Sweden Suffers Crucial 0-2 Defeat to Switzerland in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Faces Backlash and Uncertain Road Ahead

Sweden's national football team endured a significant setback in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a 0-2 loss to Switzerland on October 11, 2025, at the Nationalarenan in Solna. The defeat, Sweden's second consecutive in the qualifiers, dropped the team to last place in their group and intensified calls for coach Jon Dahl Tomasson's resignation. Over 50,000 fans witnessed the match, which included a controversial penalty awarded to Switzerland that many viewed as questionable. Sweden's players were booed off following the match, reflecting the frustration among supporters and pundits alike.

The penalty, given after Djibril Sow fell in the area amid a challenge from Alexander Bernhardsson, led to Granit Xhaka's opening goal. Substitute Johan Manzambi sealed the win for Switzerland with a stoppage-time goal. Tomasson criticized the penalty decision as "very cheap," yet expressed understanding of the fans’ reactions, stating, "I understand the supporters, they want results and victories. Football is emotions."

Notable players such as Roony Bardghji, who made his national team debut, and Mjällby players Axel Norén and Noel Törnqvist were part of the squad but could not avert defeat. Despite the setback, the team remains hopeful about their chances, depending heavily on victories in upcoming matches against Kosovo and Slovenia.

The loss has drawn sharp criticism from across Sweden’s political and football community. Jimmie Åkesson, leader of the Sweden Democrats, lamented feeling "robbed of 90 minutes of my life," highlighting the deep disappointment felt nationwide. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who did not watch the game live, expressed regret over the result, saying, "I regret it," although he noted his preference for women's football due to his daughters’ involvement.

Columnist Olof Lundh described the result as a "severe setback" given the talent available on the Swedish team. Player Isak Hien shared his own frustration, acknowledging the need to improve results. With only one point obtained from three qualification matches thus far, the path to the 2026 World Cup is increasingly difficult.

Sweden now must rally quickly to keep their qualification hopes alive, focusing on their next critical encounter against Kosovo at Ullevi. Coach Tomasson remains cautiously optimistic but faces mounting pressure amid widespread demands for change within Swedish football.