Switzerland beat Sweden 4-1, moving closer to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Switzerland defeated Sweden 4-1 at the Stade de Genève in the fifth round of UEFA World Cup qualifiers, giving them a significant advantage in the race for a place in the 2026 World Cup. Coach Murat Yakin's team controlled the tempo, capitalized on key moments, and sealed the victory in the second half.

The match started evenly, with the opening goal and the equalizer.

The home team started strongly and took an early lead. In the 13th minute, Dan Ndoye accelerated down the right flank and crossed the ball for Breel Embolo to finish accurately, opening the scoring at 1-0. Sweden did not collapse, adjusting their tempo and exploiting the space on both flanks. In the 33rd minute, from a scramble in the penalty area, Benjamin Nygren positioned himself well and shot with his left foot into the bottom corner, leveling the score at 1-1. The first half ended with an open, attacking game, with opportunities evenly distributed between both sides.

The turning point after the break: a penalty in the 58th minute, Xhaka sealed the victory in the 60th minute.

After the break, Switzerland increased the tempo, accelerating their attacks while maintaining precision in crucial moments. In the 58th minute, Embolo was fouled by goalkeeper Viktor Johansson inside the penalty area, resulting in a penalty. In the 60th minute, Granit Xhaka fired a low shot into the left corner, making the score 2-1. From then on, the home team completely controlled the tempo and gave their opponents no significant chance to retaliate.

Pressing, wing speed, and finishing touches in injury time.

Leading by a goal, Switzerland continued to maintain high-pressure pressing and organized attacks both deep and wide. In the 75th minute, Rubén Vargas broke down the left wing and passed the ball back, creating an opportunity for Dan Ndoye to unleash a powerful left-footed shot, making the score 3-1. Sweden tried to change the course of the game with personnel changes but could not break through the home team's defensive line. In the 90+4 minute, Miro Muheim crossed the ball for Johan Manzambi to calmly tap it in, sealing a 4-1 victory.

Tactical analysis: Xhaka rhythm, Ndoye spearhead, and Embolo explosive point.

The difference for Switzerland lay in Granit Xhaka's ability to coordinate and control the tempo. From this foundation of control, the two wingers, Ndoye and Vargas, operated at speed, constantly creating a numerical advantage and opening up spaces behind the Swedish defenders. Embolo was the target in the penalty area, both applying pressure and effectively exploiting the gaps behind the opposing center-backs. When leading 2-1, Switzerland's pressing structure forced Sweden to make hasty sideways or long passes, reducing the quality of their attacks.

Selective statistics

• 13th minute: Embolo opens the scoring 1-0 from a cross by Ndoye.
• 33rd minute: Nygren equalizes 1-1 with a left-footed shot inside the penalty area.
• 58th minute: Embolo is fouled, resulting in a penalty; 60th minute: Xhaka converts the penalty, making it 2-1.
• 75th minute: Ndoye scores to make it 3-1 after an assist from Vargas.
• 90+4th minute: Manzambi sealed the 4-1 victory with a cross from Muheim.

Sweden's attempt at substitutions.

The visiting team brought on Alexander Isak, Emil Forsberg, and Isac Lidberg in an attempt to revitalize their attack. However, their intentions were thwarted by Switzerland's high-pressure tactics and tight defensive formation. A series of defensive errors prevented Sweden from maintaining their rhythm after falling behind 2-1.

Impact on the group standings

The 4-1 result accurately reflects the match's flow: Switzerland were proactive, in sync, and effective at crucial moments. With this victory, they are closer to securing a ticket to the 2026 World Cup. In the final match, Switzerland will face Kosovo; to compete for the top spot, Kosovo needs a goal difference of 11 goals. Meanwhile, Sweden has only 1 point after 5 matches, sitting at the bottom of the table.

Final score

Switzerland 4-1 Sweden

Score a goal