Sweden's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were dealt a blow on Monday following a 1-0 home defeat to Kosovo in Gothenburg. The result leaves the Swedes at the bottom of Group B with just one point from four matches, all but ending their chances of reaching the finals and placing coach Jon Dahl Tomasson under immense pressure. Fisnik Asllani’s first-half goal was enough to secure a famous double for Kosovo over their opponents.
The decisive goal came in the 32nd minute when Asllani finished from close range after a move involving Vedat Muriqi and Veldin Hodza split the Swedish defence. Despite controlling possession in the second half, Sweden struggled to create clear opportunities. Striker Alexander Isak had several chances, heading over the bar and slicing an effort wide, before his powerful stoppage-time header was kept out by a stunning save from Kosovo goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, which secured the victory.
After the match, coach Jon Dahl Tomasson addressed the mounting pressure but indicated he would not resign. "I have a contract with the Swedish federation and we are in the middle of qualifying," he told Viaplay, while admitting the performance was unacceptable. "Of course, it’s not good enough tonight and it’s a terrible result... It really hurts. We forgot how to score goals and I don’t know why."
The victory boosts Kosovo's qualification hopes, moving them to second place in the group with seven points, three behind leaders Switzerland, who drew 0-0 with Slovenia. With only the group winner qualifying automatically and the runner-up entering a playoff, Sweden is left with only a slim mathematical chance of advancing ahead of the final two rounds of matches next month.
