Sweden vs. Switzerland: World Cup Qualifier Preview
A crucial World Cup qualifier looms as Sweden prepares to host Switzerland at Strawberry Arena in Solna on Friday, October 10, 2025. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:45 BST. This Group B match is particularly significant for Sweden, who are aiming to revive their qualification campaign after a rocky start.
The Stakes
Sweden's campaign has begun shakily, with a 2-2 draw against Slovenia and a 2-0 defeat to Kosovo. With only one point from their first two matches, a victory against Switzerland is almost essential to maintain realistic hopes of topping the group and securing automatic qualification. Coach Jon Dahl Tomasson is under pressure to deliver, especially after Sweden's failure to qualify for recent major tournaments.
Switzerland, in contrast, leads Group B with two wins from two, having convincingly defeated Kosovo 4-0 and Slovenia 3-0. The Swiss are in strong form and a win in Stockholm would significantly boost their chances of qualifying for their sixth consecutive World Cup.
How to Watch
For fans in Sweden, the match will be broadcast live on Viaplay. In the United States, the game will be available via streaming exclusively on Fubo PPV. The match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
Odds and Predictions
Bookmakers consider Sweden slight favorites, with odds of +130 for a home win, implying a 43% probability. Switzerland are outsiders at +195, and the draw is also an option.
Betting tips suggest that over 2.5 goals could be a likely outcome. Pundits predict a tight contest, with some favoring a draw or a narrow Switzerland win.
Team News
Sweden: Jon Dahl Tomasson faces selection challenges. After Robin Olsen's retirement, Viktor Johansson is expected to start in goal. Key players Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres are set to lead the attack. Isak Hien and Anton Salétros will undergo late fitness tests. Dejan Kulusevski is out injured. A possible predicted lineup is Johansson; Holm, Lindelöf, Ekdal, Gudmundsson; Ayari, Salétros, Bergvall, Elanga; Isak, Gyökeres.
Switzerland: Murat Yakin is unlikely to make significant changes to his winning formula. Granit Xhaka is set to captain the side and make his 140th international appearance. Simon Sohm is a doubt due to a foot injury. Breel Embolo, who has already scored three goals in the qualification campaign, is a key player to watch. A possible predicted lineup is Kobel; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka, Rieder; Ndoye, Embolo, Vargas.
Historical Context
Historically, Sweden and Switzerland have a balanced rivalry. In 30 official meetings, Sweden has won 13 times, Switzerland 11, and 6 matches have ended in a draw. Their most recent encounter was in the 2018 World Cup Round of 16, where Sweden won 1-0. Sweden are unbeaten in four meetings with Switzerland.
