The Daily Star Ireland
Sweden and Switzerland square off in a decisive World Cup 2026 qualifier at the iconic Friends Arena in Solna. Both nations are eyeing a crucial victory to boost their qualification hopes, with Sweden’s emerging stars facing Switzerland’s battle-hardened veterans. The clash promises tactical intrigue, attacking flair, and high-stakes football under the Nordic lights.
Match Preview
Sweden come into this fixture rejuvenated and brimming with confidence. After a sluggish start to qualifying, Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side has found form at just the right time, recording convincing wins over Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan. With an exciting blend of youth and experience, the Swedes are beginning to rediscover their trademark balance — direct, disciplined, and clinical in transition.
Tomasson’s squad selection reflects that evolution. Rising LaLiga sensation Roony Bardghji has earned a call-up after dazzling for Barcelona, while Alexander Isak leads the line alongside Viktor Gyökeres and Anthony Elanga. The attacking quartet offers pace, creativity, and unpredictability — something Sweden has lacked in recent years. At home, they’ve been dominant, scoring 10 goals in their last four matches in Solna, and will look to maintain that momentum.
Switzerland, meanwhile, arrive under growing scrutiny. Murat Yakin’s men have been solid but unspectacular, collecting just two points from their last three games. Draws against Northern Ireland and Denmark, coupled with a narrow 2–1 defeat to Spain, have exposed their lack of offensive sharpness. Despite controlling possession in most of those matches, they’ve struggled to convert chances — an issue that has persisted since Euro 2024.
Anchored by captain Granit Xhaka, Switzerland’s midfield remains their strongest asset, but the team’s final-third efficiency continues to falter. Breel Embolo’s fitness is a concern, leaving Noah Okafor and Ruben Vargas to shoulder the attacking load. Yakin’s pragmatic setup — compact and possession-oriented — could frustrate Sweden, but it also risks inviting pressure from a confident home side.
Team Form & Recent Results
Sweden (Last 5 matches): W W L D W
Switzerland (Last 5 matches): D L D W L
Sweden’s home record is formidable — unbeaten in five qualifiers in Solna — while Switzerland have faltered on the road, losing three of their last five away fixtures.
Head-to-Head Record
The two sides have met 30 times across all competitions, with Sweden holding a narrow advantage. Their most recent encounter came in a 2022 friendly, which ended 1–1. Historically, these matches have been tight and tactical, with only one of the last five meetings producing over 2.5 goals.
Lineups, Injuries & Suspensions
Sweden (4-3-3 expected): Olsen – Krafth, Lindelöf, Hien, Augustinsson – Olsson, Claesson, Svanberg – Elanga, Isak, Gyökeres
Unavailable: Forsberg (injury), Kulusevski (fatigue management)
Switzerland (4-2-3-1 expected): Sommer – Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez – Xhaka, Freuler – Vargas, Rieder, Ndoye – Okafor
Unavailable: Embolo (injury), Shaqiri (not selected)
Sweden’s forward line is full of energy and movement, with Isak’s link-up play complementing Gyökeres’ direct runs. For Switzerland, the focus will be on Xhaka dictating tempo and Vargas exploiting space between lines.
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
Sweden thrive on quick transitions and structured pressing. Tomasson’s approach emphasizes fluid front-three interchanges and full-backs overlapping aggressively. Isak’s technical ability to hold up play allows midfield runners like Claesson and Svanberg to join the attack effectively.
Switzerland, by contrast, are methodical. Their passing triangles through midfield help them dominate possession, but they’ve often lacked a cutting edge when teams sit deep. Xhaka’s leadership and precision passing remain crucial, while Akanji’s distribution from defense could bypass Sweden’s press.
Key Players to Watch:
- Alexander Isak (Sweden): In scintillating form for Newcastle, combining power and precision in front of goal.
- Granit Xhaka (Switzerland): The conductor in midfield; controls rhythm and dictates tempo.
- Roony Bardghji (Sweden): The teenage winger’s creativity could unlock Switzerland’s compact backline.
Odds, Markets & Betting Tips
- Full-Time Result: Sweden (2.25) | Draw (3.10) | Switzerland (3.20)
- Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 (1.90)
- Both Teams to Score: Yes (1.75)
Betting Insights:
- Sweden have scored 3+ goals in 10 of their last 15 home matches.
- Six of Switzerland’s last eight away games have featured over 2.5 goals.
- Sweden are unbeaten in their last four competitive home fixtures.
Where to Watch Online & Kickoff Time
Venue: Friends Arena, Solna, Sweden
Date & Time: October 12, 2025 – 20:45 CET
Broadcast: Viaplay (Nordics), RTS (Switzerland), UEFA.tv
Prediction: Sweden vs Switzerland, World Championship 2026 Qualifiers
Sweden’s home form, attacking depth, and youthful energy give them a slight edge in what should be a fiercely contested matchup. Switzerland’s experience could keep things close, but their recent struggles in front of goal might cost them again. Expect an open encounter with moments of brilliance from Sweden’s front line making the difference.
