Sweden’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup suffered a major blow after a disappointing September international break, leaving them facing an uphill battle to secure a place in the tournament.
Sweden’s World Cup Hopes in Jeopardy After Shocking Defeat to Kosovo
The Swedish national team, featuring Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, managed only one point from their opening two qualifying matches in UEFA Group B.
Their campaign began with a 2-2 draw against Slovenia on September 5, where Gyokeres provided an assist, but worsened significantly with a shocking 2-0 defeat to Kosovo on September 8.
Förlust mot Kosovo❌ pic.twitter.com/plM6FoPMM8
— Svensk Fotboll (@svenskfotboll) September 8, 2025
The loss in Prishtina proved particularly damaging as Kosovo capitalized on counter-attacks, scoring first-half goals through Elvis Rexhbecaj and Vedat Muriqi.
Despite Gyokeres creating several chances and playing full 90-minute performances in both matches, Sweden failed to find the net against Kosovo.
Liverpool’s record signing Alexander Isak came on as a second-half substitute but missed two critical opportunities to get Sweden back into the game.
World Cup Group B Standings
| Position | Team | Points | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Switzerland | 6 | +7 |
| 2 | Kosovo | 3 | -2 |
| 3 | Sweden | 1 | -2 |
| 4 | Slovenia | 1 | -3 |
The results leave Sweden third in Group B with just one point from two matches, already five points behind group leaders Switzerland who have won both of their opening games.
With only four teams in the group and each playing just six matches total, Sweden’s margin for error has dramatically narrowed.
The Swedish squad now faces must-win situations when qualifying resumes in October. They will host Switzerland on October 10 and Kosovo on October 13 in critical matches that could determine their qualification fate.
Manager Jon Dahl Tomasson will be hoping to have Alexander Isak at full fitness for these crucial encounters, as the striking partnership between Isak and Gyokeres was instrumental in Sweden’s successful Nations League campaign last year.
The duo’s collaboration could provide the firepower Sweden desperately needs to revive their World Cup hopes.
Sweden’s path to the 2026 World Cup has become significantly more challenging, but with home fixtures ahead and their star attackers potentially reuniting, qualification remains within reach if they can immediately rebound in October.
