Switzerland prevents Kosovo from competing to secure its place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Switzerland qualified for next year’s World Cup despite being held 1-1 by Kosovo on Tuesday when Florent Muslija’s brilliant strike canceled out Ruben Vargas’ early second-half goal for the visiting side.

Switzerland finished top of Group B with 14 points, completing an unbeaten qualifying campaign. Kosovo secured second place with 11 points and a place in March’s European play-offs as they hunt for a first-ever World Cup appearance.

«We didn’t play badly, but we knew they had to score six goals (to overtake Switzerland’s goal difference). And it’s not easy to play against us,» Swiss defender Ricardo Rodriguez told SRF Sport.

Switzerland made the most of a subdued first half, with Michel Aebischer drawing a sharp save from Arijanet Muric in one of the few clear sights of goal after six minutes.

Kosovo rarely threatened, but came close just before half-time when Fisnik Asllani unleashed a fierce attack from the edge of the penalty area, allowing a Swiss defender to make a vital block.

Vargas finally broke the deadlock 90 seconds after the restart, slipping behind to meet a through ball from Djibril Sow and beating Kosovo goalkeeper Arijanet Muric with a low finish.

Muric then denied Switzerland a second when Johan Manzambi weaved past two defenders and aimed for the bottom left corner, only for the Kosovo keeper to read it clearly and gather himself in comfort.

Kosovo equalized in the 74th minute through Muslija, who pounced on a loose ball just outside the penalty area and unleashed a brilliant curling ball into the top right corner, leaving Gregor Kobel without a chance.

Spurred on by a raucous Pristina City Stadium, the hosts pushed for a late winner but efforts from Baton Zabergja and Vedat Muriqi were smothered by Kobel and a determined Swiss backline.

«It was important for us that the Kosovars did not carry their euphoria into the match,» said Swiss captain Granit Xhaka. «We can be proud of ourselves. It is not self-evident that we have qualified for a major tournament eight times in a row. I am just happy.»

Published on November 19, 2025