Sweden’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s World Cup took a major hit after a 2-0 loss to Switzerland, with star forwards Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres failing to deliver when it mattered most.
The pair, who were signed for a combined £185 million ($247 million) in two of the summer’s biggest transfer moves, struggled throughout the match and failed to score despite playing the full 90 minutes.
Isak came closest early on when his shot hit the crossbar, while Gyokeres barely threatened Swiss goalkeeper Viktor Johansson. Sweden now sit bottom of Group B with just one point from three matches, leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Isak’s transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool had been one of the most talked-about moves of the summer. The striker skipped pre-season and the club’s opening Premier League matches as he tried to force the move, accusing Newcastle of “broken promises” — a claim the club denies. Liverpool eventually secured his signature after increasing their offer to £110 million ($146.7 million).
Gyokeres, meanwhile, joined Arsenal from Sporting Lisbon for £60 million ($80.1 million) after scoring 97 goals in 102 appearances in Portugal. However, his early days at Arsenal have been underwhelming, with only three goals in ten games.
Former Liverpool and Everton midfielder Don Hutchison criticized Isak’s conduct during his transfer saga, calling it “unprofessional.”
“Walking away from the training camp was poor in the first place,” Hutchison said. “He’s paying for it now because he sacrificed his match fitness. Whether staying at Newcastle or moving to Liverpool, he should have stayed fit. It was naive and badly advised.”
Sweden still have a slim chance of reaching the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. They must win all their remaining qualifiers against Kosovo, Switzerland, and Slovenia.
Their best hope lies in securing a playoff spot, which they earned from their Nations League performance. The upcoming home match against Kosovo in Gothenburg will be crucial — a must-win if Sweden are to keep their World Cup dream alive.
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