Sweden’s prospects of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup took a significant blow on Monday as they fell 2-0 away to Kosovo in Group B qualifying.
The Swedes, still reeling from conceding a last-minute equaliser in Friday’s 2-2 draw with Slovenia, once again struggled defensively. They went behind in the 26th minute when Robin Olsen parried an effort from Elvis Rexhbecaj, only for the rebound to deflect in off the midfielder’s shin.
Kosovo doubled their advantage shortly before half-time through Vedat Muriqi, whose clinical finish left Sweden with an uphill battle. Despite the introduction of Alexander Isak – now the most expensive signing in Premier League history following his summer move to Liverpool – the visitors lacked penetration and failed to mount a credible comeback.
Tensions rose late on as Lindon Emerllahu was dismissed in stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card, but Kosovo held firm to secure all three points.
The result lifts Kosovo into second place in the group on three points, trailing leaders Switzerland, who maintained a perfect start with a 3-0 win over Slovenia. Sweden, meanwhile, sit third with just one point from two games, narrowly ahead of Slovenia on goal difference.
With only the group winners earning automatic qualification and runners-up forced into the playoff route, Sweden’s early stumbles leave them under pressure to rediscover form quickly if they are to remain in contention for a place at next year’s finals.
