Switzerland beat Sweden 4-1, getting closer to 2026 World Cup ticket

Switzerland defeated Sweden 4-1 at Stade de Genève in the 5th round of the UEFA World Cup qualifiers, creating a big advantage in the race for a ticket to the 2026 World Cup. Coach Murat Yakin and his team controlled the tempo, took advantage of key moments and finished the match in the second half.

Balanced start, opening goal and equalizer

The home team started strong and took the lead early. In the 13th minute, Dan Ndoye accelerated on the right and crossed for Breel Embolo to finish accurately, opening the score 1-0. Sweden did not collapse, adjusting the rhythm and exploiting the space on both sides. In the 33rd minute, from a chaotic situation in the penalty area, Benjamin Nygren chose a good position and shot with his left foot to the bottom corner, equalizing 1-1. The first half ended with an open game, with opportunities divided equally between both sides.

Turning point after the break: penalty in the 58th minute, Xhaka decided in the 60th minute

After the break, Switzerland increased the tempo, accelerated the deployment and maintained precision in the decisive phase. In the 58th minute, Embolo was fouled by goalkeeper Viktor Johansson in 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 here, the home team completely controlled the tempo and did not give the opponent a significant chance to fight back.

Pressing, wing speed and the finishing touch in injury time

With the lead, Switzerland continued to maintain high pressure and organize attacks in depth and along the flanks. In the 75th minute, Rubén Vargas escaped down the left wing and passed back, creating conditions for Dan Ndoye to shoot with his left foot, raising the score to 3-1. Sweden tried to change the situation with personnel adjustments but could not penetrate the home team's formation. In the 90+4 minute, Miro Muheim crossed for Johan Manzambi to tap the ball gently, sealing the 4-1 victory.

Tactical analysis: Xhaka's rhythm, Ndoye's penetrating nose and Embolo's explosive point

The difference for Switzerland was Granit Xhaka’s ability to coordinate and maintain the rhythm. From that foundation of control, the two wings operated at speed with Ndoye and Vargas constantly creating numerical superiority, opening up spaces behind the Swedish defenders. Embolo was the destination in the penalty area, both creating pressing pressure and exploiting gaps behind the opponent’s central defenders. When leading 2-1, Switzerland’s pressing structure forced Sweden to pass sideways or long quickly, reducing the quality of the visitors’ attacks.

Selected statistics

• Minute 13: Embolo opened the score 1-0 from Ndoye's cross.
• Minute 33: Nygren equalized 1-1 with a left-footed shot in the penalty area.
• Minute 58: Embolo was fouled, resulting in a penalty; minute 60: Xhaka scored successfully, 2-1.
• Minute 75: Ndoye finished to make it 3-1 after Vargas' assist.
• Minute 90+4: Manzambi made it 4-1 from Muheim's cross.

Sweden's substitution efforts

The visitors brought on Alexander Isak, Emil Forsberg and Isac Lidberg to freshen up the attack, but their attempts were thwarted by Switzerland’s high pressure and compact formation. Layer after layer of defensive errors saw Sweden unable to maintain their rhythm after falling 2-1 behind.

Impact on the table situation

The 4-1 result reflected the correct course of events: Switzerland were proactive, on-the-move and effective at crucial moments. With this victory, they moved closer to a ticket to the 2026 World Cup. In the final round, Switzerland met Kosovo; to compete for the top spot, Kosovo needed to create a difference of 11 goals. Meanwhile, Sweden had only 1 point after 5 rounds, standing at the bottom of the table.

Final score

Switzerland 4-1 Sweden

Score