Graham Potter’s first match in charge of Sweden resulted in a 4-1 defeat to Switzerland, who are now all but assured of automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Potter was appointed as Sweden’s new head coach last month, with the team bottom of Group B in the UEFA qualification process with just one point from four games.
They were already assured of a play-off place due to their performances in the Nations League, but with top spot out of reach, Potter fielded a weakened team on Saturday, with Alexander Isak only coming on in the 62nd minute and Viktor Gyokeres coming off injured.
Breel Embolo struck first for Switzerland, although Benjamin Nygren leveled for the visitors in the 33rd minute.
However, Switzerland pulled clear in the second half with Granit Xhaka, Dan Ndoye and Johan Manzambi on target.
Murat Yakin’s side visit Kosovo for their final match on Tuesday knowing only a defeat by six goals or more would see them through to the play-offs. Kosovo defeated Slovenia 2-0 in the other Group B match on Saturday, ending their opponents’ hopes of qualification.
Four different goalscorers for the fourth win
Four different scorers for the fourth win!
Four different scorers for the fourth win!#natimitetouch #lanatiavecvous #lanaticonvoi #lanaticunvus pic.twitter.com/z8kK4ZhAh4— Nati (@nati_sfv_asf) November 15, 2025
Elsewhere, Austria moved closer to securing their place at the tournament with a 2-0 win over Cyprus.
They are two points clear of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the top of Group H, and a point at home against their nearest rivals on Tuesday would stamp their ticket to North America.
Romania are third and through to the play-offs thanks to their performances in the Nations League, after losing 3-1 to Zenica in their penultimate match.
In Group E, Turkiye defeated Bulgaria 2–0, with Hakan Calhanoglu scoring a first-half penalty before Atanas Chernev fired through his own net.
They are three points behind leaders Spain but would need a seven-goal win in Seville on Tuesday to skip La Roja and avoid the play-offs.
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