Sweden’s Last Chance to Avoid World Cup Elimination Begins Tonight: Assessing Their Odds

Basio badr

ago 2 hours

Sweden’s Last Chance to Avoid World Cup Elimination Begins Tonight

As the World Cup 2026 qualification stage progresses, Sweden finds itself in a precarious position. Currently, they sit at the bottom of their qualifying group with only one point. This point was earned from a 2-2 draw against Slovenia in September, following two losses: a 2-0 defeat to Kosovo and another 2-0 loss to Switzerland, which leads Group B.

Group B Standings

Switzerland: 9 points
Kosovo: 4 points
Slovenia: 2 points
Sweden: 1 point

Sweden’s Path to Qualification

For Sweden to stand a chance at World Cup qualification, they must secure victory in their upcoming matches. Tonight’s clash against Kosovo is critical. The match is set to kick off at 20:45 CET. A win is essential to keep their hopes alive for a second-place finish and potential playoff spot.

Although Sweden is ranked 32nd in the FIFA rankings, they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Kosovo just a month prior, making this match even more vital. If Sweden wins tonight, they would reach four points, tying with Kosovo. However, a victory by Slovenia against Switzerland could complicate matters further.

Upcoming Matches and Expectations

In order to qualify, Sweden does not solely rely on their own performance. They need to watch the outcomes of other matches, notably Switzerland’s game against Slovenia. A win for Switzerland would pull Slovenia further down, increasing Sweden’s chances.

Looking ahead, Sweden also plays its final group stage match at home against Slovenia on November 14. Despite their current situation, the possibility remains for third or fourth-place teams to qualify for playoffs through reserved spots for top Nations League group winners not finishing in the top two of their qualification groups. Potential rivals for these playoff spots include Germany, Wales, and Romania.

With stakes this high, tonight’s game is not just another match; it is a critical juncture in Sweden’s World Cup qualifying campaign. Success is paramount if they wish to keep their World Cup dreams alive.