Sweden vs Slovenia: A Final Chance to End World Cup Qualifying on a High
Sweden is set to face Slovenia in their final World Cup Qualifying match for the 2026 tournament, with both teams already out of contention for direct qualification. The match, scheduled for November 18, 2025, will not only be about pride but also a crucial opportunity for Sweden to improve their form ahead of the upcoming Nations League play-offs.
Sweden, once considered favorites in Group B, have struggled throughout the qualification campaign. Despite the attacking prowess of players like Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres, they currently find themselves at the bottom of the group, with only one point from five matches. This disappointing run has led to the sacking of coach Jon Dahl Tomasson and the appointment of Graham Potter. However, Potter's first outing in charge was far from ideal, as Sweden suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Switzerland. With no chance to qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, Sweden is now looking to build momentum through the Nations League, which offers another route into the tournament.
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On the other hand, Slovenia, while not as low as Sweden, have also struggled to turn promising results into consistent performances. They sit in third place in the group with just three points from five games. Goals have been a major issue for Slovenia, with only two scored across their qualifiers. Their only points came from a 2-2 draw with Sweden in their opening match, a game in which they scored late to salvage a point. Since then, Slovenia has been plagued by inconsistency, failing to secure a win in their next four matches.
Both teams head into this fixture with little to play for except to end their campaigns on a positive note. Sweden, however, will be keen to avoid further embarrassment and claim their first victory in Group B. The game will also serve as a chance for Sweden to test their squad ahead of the Nations League play-offs. Yet, it will not be an easy task, as several players are at risk of suspension for the play-offs. Nine players, including key figures like Isak, Emil Forsberg, and Yasin Ayari, are one yellow card away from missing the next round of qualifiers, so the Swedish management will have to balance the desire to win with the need to protect these players from suspension.
Slovenia, meanwhile, will look to finish their qualifiers with a win. Although they have failed to secure victories in their last four meetings with Sweden, they will be determined to leave a positive impression, especially given their struggles in front of goal. Slovenia's coach Matjaž Kek will hope for a strong performance from their star forward, Zan Vipotnik, who was the standout player in their draw with Sweden earlier in the campaign.
As the two teams take the field at Sweden’s home ground, the game will not only serve as a way to close out their World Cup qualifying campaigns but also as an opportunity to build towards the future. Sweden, despite their poor run, are hoping that Potter can inspire a turnaround in their fortunes, while Slovenia will aim to use the match as a springboard for better results in upcoming international fixtures. The final whistle may not have World Cup implications, but it will have plenty of meaning for both teams as they look to finish on a high note.
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