Sweden’s FIFA World Cup dreams are all but over after defeat in Kosovo

Sweden’s World Cup hopes suffered a crushing blow when the country suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Kosovo on Monday, all but ending its chances of reaching the final, with a third qualifying defeat putting more pressure on coach Jon Dahl Tomasson.

The result leaves Sweden bottom of Group B with one point from four games and only a slim mathematical chance of reaching the play-offs after next month’s final two rounds.

“I have a contract with the Swedish federation and we are in the middle of qualifying,” Tomasson told Viaplay when asked if he planned to resign.

“Of course tonight is not good enough and it is a terrible result.”

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Kosovo is second with seven points, three behind leader Switzerland, which drew 0-0 against third-placed Slovenia (three points) in Ljubljana on Monday.

The group winner qualifies directly for the World Cup, while the number two goes into the play-offs.

Kosovo, who defeated the Swedes 2-0 in Pristina last month, completed a famous double, with Fisnik Asllani’s first-half goal proving decisive.

The forward scored his first international goal in the 32nd minute with a close-range finish after good interplay between Vedat Muriqi and Veldin Hodza cut open a static backline.

Sweden controlled possession after the break, but remained toothless in front of goal.

«It really hurts. We forgot how to score goals and I don’t know why,» Tomasson added.

Alexander Isak came close twice, first heading over and later going wide, as Kosovo’s defense stood firm amid boos from frustrated home fans around the Ullevi Stadium.

The striker came agonizingly close to equalizing in stoppage time, but his powerful header was stopped by Arijanet Muric, whose stunning save sealed the win for the visitor.

Published on October 14, 2025