Switzerland, which beat Sweden (4-1), Saturday November 15, in Geneva, practically qualified for the 2026 Football World Cup but must officially validate its ticket to America on Tuesday against Kosovo, which is guaranteed to be a play-off for the first time in its young history.
Before the final day of qualifying on Tuesday evening, Switzerland was first in Group B with 13 points, unbeaten with four wins and a draw and a very favorable goal difference (+12).
The Kosovo team, who won in Slovenia on Saturday (2-0), is second with 10 points (3 wins, two draws, +1). Slovenia is third (3 points) and Sweden last (1 point).
Tuesday in Kosovo, Switzerland only needs a draw or defeat by less than six goals to qualify for its 13th tallye World Cup final phase. He has not missed an edition since 2006.
It was Kosovo who stopped the dam
Kosovo, 84e country in the FIFA rankings, is already assured of playing in the play-offs for the first time in the history of the Balkan country, which has been independent since 2008.
In Geneva on Saturday, Nati’s players did not flinch against Sweden, who are now coached by England’s Graham Potter, who replaced Jon Dahl Tomasson on October 20, sacked after three successive defeats during qualifying.
Rennes striker Breel Embolo opened the scoring (1-0, 12e). Benjamin Nygren quickly equalized (1-1, 33e), before Switzerland regained the lead through a penalty thanks to their captain Granit Xhaka (2-1, 60e). Dan Ndoye (3-1, 75e) and finally Johan Manzambi in extra time (4-1, 90e+4) completes the victory for Murat Yakin’s troops.
At the same time, in Ljubljana, Kosovo scored an early goal thanks to Fisnik Asllani (1-0, 6e) then doubled the lead through Zan Karnicnik (2-0, 64e) while Slovenia was reduced to ten since 53e minutes and the exception of Petar Stojanovic.
