On Monday, October 14, at the Gamla Ullevi Arena in Gothenburg, Sweden will play for their last remaining chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup as they host Kosovo, the surprise package of Group B. This clash could already prove decisive in terms of qualification: the hosts currently sit fourth with just one point, while the visitors occupy second place with a three-point lead. A victory would allow Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men to catch Kosovo in second, with only two rounds left to play, possibly taking advantage of a slip-up by Slovenia (third with two points) against Switzerland, who lead the group with a perfect record and are now close to securing direct qualification. Apart from the Swiss, the group remains wide open and balanced, with every single point potentially crucial for the teams fighting for second place. For that reason, Sweden and Kosovo will approach this game with caution but also with the determination of teams aware that these three points could change the course of their qualifying campaign.

Sweden's form and key stats

Sweden are not going through their best period, having suffered two consecutive defeats without scoring a single goal. In their most recent game, on October 10, the Blågult were beaten 2-0 at home by Switzerland, the top team in the group with three wins from three matches.

Tomasson’s side have been disappointing so far, earning just one point (two losses and one draw) while averaging 0.67 goals scored and 2 conceded per match. The lack of goals is particularly worrying given the consistent presence of high-profile strikers like Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak, both of whom were big-money signings for Arsenal and Liverpool during the recent summer transfer window.

After the home defeat to Switzerland, the Swedes must find a way to collect points again at home. Before that loss, they had won three consecutive home matches, although against weaker sides such as Estonia, Slovakia, and Azerbaijan.

Kosovo's form and key stats

Kosovo arrive in Gothenburg in excellent form, remaining unbeaten in six of their last seven official matches across all competitions. Their most recent result came on October 10 — a 0-0 home draw against Slovenia that allowed them to hold onto second place in Group B.

Under German coach Franco Foda, Kosovo have collected 4 points so far, with 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss, averaging 0.67 goals scored and 1.33 conceded per match. The team’s main strength is undoubtedly its defense, which has kept clean sheets in the last two outings against Sweden (first leg) and Slovenia. In attack, the main threat remains Vedat Muriqi, who has scored 4 goals in 7 appearances this season for Mallorca.

Kosovo are looking for more consistency away from home: in their last five away games, they have recorded three wins and two losses, averaging 1.8 goals scored and conceded per game.

Sweden vs Kosovo prediction by BetMines

Since this is Sweden’s last chance to get back into qualification contention, the BetMines algorithm favors the home side with a 58% chance of victory. Conversely, Kosovo’s chances of winning stand at just 20%, while the draw is estimated at 22%.

The head-to-head record slightly favors Jon Dahl Tomasson’s team, who have won two of the last three meetings against Kosovo, averaging 2 goals scored and 0.7 conceded per match.

Despite both teams showing some offensive struggles, BetMines expects an entertaining match with goals on both sides and at least three total goals. The Over 2.5 goals outcome is rated at 58%, while “both teams to score” stands at 54%.

This trend is supported by defensive issues shown by both Sweden and Kosovo, particularly by the latter when playing away from home.

Probable lineups Sweden vs Kosovo

SWEDEN (3-5-2): Johansson; Lagerbielke, Hien, G. Gudmundsson; Bernhardsson, Karlstrom, Bergvall, Ayari, Sema; Isak, Gyokeres. Coach: J. D. Tomasson.

KOSOVO (4-3-3): Muric; Krasniqi, Hajdari, Hajrizi, Gallapeni; Vojvoda, Avdullahu, Berisha; Muslija, Muriqi, Rrahmani A. Coach: F. Foda.