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Sweden’s World Cup Bid Crumbles With Home Defeat to Kosovo

Kosovo’s rare qualifying win exposed Sweden’s reliance on misfiring big-money forwards.

Overview

  • Sweden sit bottom of Group B on one point after a 0-1 loss in Solna, leaving them needing two November wins and outside help to stay in contention for 2026.
  • Fisnik Asllani struck in the 32nd minute as Kosovo survived a late barrage of corners and shots to seal the upset.
  • Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres produced over half of Sweden’s 13 attempts, with Isak taking six shots—including two on target—without scoring.
  • Gyokeres managed one shot on target and struggled in duels, extending a goalless run that mirrors a difficult start at Arsenal.
  • Both strikers return to Liverpool and Arsenal under heavy scrutiny, with Football365 noting Gyokeres at three goals in 14 and Isak at one in nine across club and country.