Sweden’s World Cup dreams are sputtering, clinging to life by a thread. A recent 0-2 defeat to a formidable Swiss side has thrown a harsh spotlight on their struggles. This loss leaves them in a tough spot for the 2026 qualifiers.
The post-match analysis in Sweden didn’t pull any punches. Striker Viktor Gyökeres took the brunt of the criticism. The ‘Expressen’ newspaper saw a player who started bright but faded fast. They described him as “heavy” and noted his “errors piling up,” making him “one of the weakest on the field.”
Another outlet, ‘Svenska Fans,’ echoed these concerns, digging even deeper. They commented on his “declining form” lately, suggesting he “doesn’t seem to believe much in himself” and appears “resigned and uncomfortable.” This led to a dismal rating of 1 out of 5 for the player, who previously starred for Sporting and now represents Arsenal.
This underperformance from Gyökeres and fellow forward Alexander Isak was particularly glaring. The Liverpool man, also “very discreet,” even struck the post in the 26th minute. Together, these two players commanded over €200 million in transfers just this summer. Their quiet night speaks volumes about Sweden’s attacking woes.
The match in Stockholm was tough viewing from the first whistle. Switzerland, a team that “only knows how to win” and is close to securing qualification, showed their class. Barely three minutes in, Breel Embolo hit the post, and Granit Xhaka tested goalkeeper Robin Johansson. The tension among the Nordic squad was obvious.
Switzerland finally broke the deadlock in the 65th minute through a Xhaka penalty. Then, deep into stoppage time, Noah Manzambi sealed the 2-0 victory for the visitors. For Sweden, a solitary point after three World Cup 2026 qualifying matches leaves them stuck at the bottom of Group B. The path ahead looks incredibly steep.