Kosovo’s debut in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers is one to forget. Last Friday, the Balkan side were overwhelmed by Switzerland (4-0) in Basel: by the end of the first half, the match was already decided, with the Swiss scoring four goals in the first 45 minutes and then limiting themselves to managing the game in the second half. Franco Foda’s men, on the other hand, did too little, appearing fragile especially in their own half. Their last clean sheet dates back to last November: since then, Kosovo has always conceded at least one goal, including in the Nations League play-off (won) against Iceland and in the two friendlies in June against Armenia and Comoros.
Qualification is therefore an uphill struggle, even though we are only on the second matchday in this group, which is one of four teams.
Both teams looking for their first win
However, Muriqi and his teammates will have to try to snatch at least one point in Pristina against Sweden: another defeat would logically be a significant blow to the ambitions of a Kosovo team that still dreams of its first participation in the final phase of an international competition in its (short) history.
The Scandinavians also need three points, having been held to a 2-2 draw in Slovenia in their opening game, conceding an equalizer in the 90th minute. To prevent Switzerland from pulling away in the race for first place, Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side cannot afford any more missteps: in Kosovo, Sweden will be looking for what would be their seventh win in their last nine games, including friendlies and official matches. This time, Tomasson could decide to field the Gyokeres-Isak duo, who moved to Arsenal and Liverpool respectively in the summer: the Reds’ new striker, who is not at his best, remained on the bench in the match against Slovenia.
Odds comparison
Sweden’s victory is quoted at 1.75 on Goldbet Goldbete Lottomatica and 1.67 on Snai. The “Over 2.5” sign is quoted at 1.75 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 1.85 on Snai.
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The prediction
Kosovo and Sweden meet again four years on: in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, it was no contest, with the Scandinavians winning 3-0 in both the first and second legs. In our opinion, Sweden’s enormous attacking quality will be decisive again this time in a match that will see at least three goals in total.
Probable lineups for Kosovo vs. Sweden
KOSOVO (4-3-3): Muric; Vojvoda, I. Krasniqi, Dellova, Paqarada; Avdullahu, Rexhbecaj, Jashari; E. Krasniqi, Muriqi, Muslija.
SWEDEN (3-1-4-2): Olsen; Ekdal, Hien, Gudmundsson; Saletros; Bernhardsson, Larsson, Ayari, Svensson; Elanga, Gyokeres.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2