Sweden's World Cup Hopes Diminish After Loss to Switzerland
Sweden's aspirations to qualify for the 2026 World Cup suffered a significant setback following a defeat to Switzerland in Stockholm.
Granit Xhaka, a midfielder for Sunderland, opened the scoring for the visitors with a penalty in the 65th minute after Sevilla's Djibril Sow was fouled in the box by Alexander Bernhardsson.
Johan Manzambi of Freiburg secured Switzerland's victory with a goal in the fourth minute of added time, as his shot deflected off Atalanta defender Isak Hien.
Following the match, some fans directed their frustration at Sweden's manager, Jon Dahl Tomasson, calling for his resignation.
Despite featuring Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres and Liverpool forward Alexander Isak in their attacking lineup, the hosts failed to register a single shot on target throughout the match.
This defeat leaves Sweden at the bottom of Group B, with only one point from three matches—eight points behind the Swiss, who currently lead the group.
Kosovo, in second place with four points, will visit Sweden for their next qualifier on Monday, October 13.
After reaching the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Sweden did not qualify for the 2022 tournament held in Qatar.