Sweden vs Switzerland: Can the Swedes Stop the Swiss Surge?
Sweden vs Switzerland Match Preview
Swedes Under Pressure Early
Sweden’s World Cup qualifying campaign hasn’t exactly gone to plan. After two games, they’ve only managed one point and are already playing catch-up in the group. Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side sits five points behind table-toppers Switzerland, and Friday’s clash in Stockholm could be make-or-break for their hopes.
They started with a 2-2 draw in Slovenia but couldn’t hold on to two separate leads. Then came a painful loss away to Kosovo, leaving fans frustrated. Defensively, it’s been messy too — they even leaked three goals to Algeria in a summer friendly, a 4-3 win that papered over the cracks. Now, the pressure is on, and facing an in-form Swiss team is probably the last thing they needed.
Swiss Flying High
Switzerland, on the other hand, look like a well-oiled machine right now. Murat Yakin has built a solid mix of experience and youthful energy, and his side is simply cruising.
They’ve started qualifiers perfectly — smashing Kosovo 4-0 before brushing aside Slovenia 3-0, the same team Sweden couldn’t beat. And if you go back to their summer friendlies, they also dominated Mexico (4-2) and even thumped World Cup co-hosts under Mauricio Pochettino 4-0 in Nashville. Basically, they’re scoring for fun and defending with confidence.
Three clean sheets in a row say it all — this Swiss team are not just winning, they’re controlling games.
Head-to-Head
Recent meetings between these two nations have often been tight, but the momentum is clearly with Switzerland. They’re unbeaten in their last few encounters and seem to have figured out how to handle Sweden’s physical style.
Team News
Sweden boss Tomasson has shuffled his pack, including a change in goal — Viktor Johansson of Stoke gets the nod to help plug their defensive leaks. Up front, the Swedes still rely on the likes of Alexander Isak and Dejan Kulusevski to make something happen.
Switzerland, meanwhile, should stick to their winning formula. Granit Xhaka will marshal the midfield, while Embolo and Vargas will be the danger men in attack. No major injury concerns for Yakin’s side either — which is more bad news for Sweden.
Players to Watch
Sweden: Alexander Isak – needs to step up big time if the Swedes are to have any chance. His pace and finishing could be the difference.
Switzerland: Granit Xhaka – pulling the strings from midfield, setting the tempo, and leading by example. He’s in top form right now.
Prediction
Hard to see anything other than a Swiss win here. Sweden are struggling at both ends of the pitch, while Switzerland are flying high with confidence and consistency.
Prediction: Sweden 0–2 Switzerland
Betting Tips
✅ Main Bet: Switzerland to Win
⚽ Alternative Bet: Switzerland Over 1.5 Goals
🔒 Value Bet: Both Teams to Score – No
Switzerland’s attack is in top gear, and with Sweden’s defense looking shaky, backing the visitors feels like the smart move.
Wrap Up
Sweden are desperate for a spark, but right now, it’s hard to see them matching Switzerland’s level. The Swiss are organized, efficient, and confident — everything Sweden are not at the moment. If Tomasson’s men can’t turn it around soon, qualifying could start slipping away fast.