Sweden’s chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup took another hit after a 2-0 home defeat to Switzerland.
The result leaves Sweden at the bottom of Group B with just one point from three games, while Switzerland moved closer to automatic qualification on nine points. Kosovo currently occupy second place with four points.
Switzerland controlled much of the first half but had to wait until the 65th minute to break the deadlock. Granit Xhaka converted from the penalty spot after Djibril Sow was brought down by Alexander Bernhardsson.
Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres both played the full match at Strawberry Arena but failed to register a single shot on target. Sweden ended the game with 0.89 expected goals and lacked cutting edge in the final third.
Nineteen-year-old Johan Manzambi sealed the win for Switzerland deep into added time, his strike deflecting past Viktor Johansson at the near post.
In Group D, Ukraine earned a crucial 5-3 win over Iceland in a high-scoring encounter. With France on track to qualify, Ukraine and Iceland are battling for a potential play-off spot, while Azerbaijan continue to struggle.
Ukraine went into halftime with a 3-1 lead thanks to Ruslan Malinovskyi’s brace and a goal from Oleksii Hutsuliak. Mikael Ellertsson scored for Iceland before Albert Gudmundsson struck twice in the second half to level the score. Ivan Kaliuzhnyi and Oleh Ocheretko responded late to secure Ukraine a vital victory.
Elsewhere, Northern Ireland secured a 2-0 win over Slovakia, moving into second place in Group A but remaining behind Germany on goal difference. An own goal from Patrik Hrosovsky and a finish from Trai Hume made the difference.
Data Debrief
Switzerland have scored nine goals in their first three qualifiers and are yet to concede. They have now kept a clean sheet in four consecutive World Cup qualifying matches.
Sweden failed to register a shot on target in a World Cup qualifier for the first time since facing Spain in 2021.
Northern Ireland have won five consecutive competitive home matches by an aggregate score of 12-0, the first time they have achieved such a run without conceding.
