Sweden’s footballing faith is being tested. A shock 2–0 loss away to Kosovo in September has left the national team’s 2026 World Cup qualifying hopes hanging by a thread. Once again, fans are grappling with the grim prospect that their beloved Blågult might miss out on a major tournament, the latest blow in what was supposed to be a triumphant new era.
Golden Generation, Tarnished Results
On paper, Sweden in 2025 boasts a golden generation of rising stars. Alexander Isak became the most expensive signing in Premier League history with a blockbuster move to Liverpool. Dejan Kulusevski is a regular starter in Tottenham’s attack. Viktor Gyökeres earned a marquee transfer to Arsenal after dominating in Portugal. And 19-year-old Lucas Bergvall has already broken into Tottenham’s midfield. Individually, these players shine across Europe. Collectively, in Sweden’s yellow, they have struggled to even flicker. The defeat in Kosovo summed it up: a forward line packed with quality failed to score and was undone twice on the counterattack.
From Renaissance to Crisis
This was meant to be a renaissance. As the Zlatan Ibrahimović era faded, the quarter-final run at the 2018 World Cup suggested a bright future. Instead, Sweden missed out on Qatar 2022, failed to qualify for Euro 2024, and now risk another World Cup absence. It is the first time since the 1980s that Sweden has missed consecutive major tournaments. For a nation once proud of its consistency on the world stage, the decline has been sobering.
The current qualifying campaign still offers mathematical hope, but the margin for error is gone. With Switzerland looming next, the fear is growing that this generation may never feature at a World Cup at all.
Backlash and Blame
The inquest has been swift. Many believe the Swedish Football Association held onto long-serving coach Janne Andersson too long. His pragmatic approach and rigid 4-4-2 shape, once reliable, left Sweden looking dated. By the time he stepped down in 2023, it was too late to reset momentum.
For the first time, Sweden turned abroad for a coach. Jon Dahl Tomasson was appointed in 2024 with a mandate to modernize the team. His arrival sparked optimism that players like Isak and Kulusevski would be unleashed in a more flexible system. Yet results have been discouraging. The defeat in Kosovo renewed doubts, especially over Tomasson’s decision to keep Isak on the bench until late in the match. The frustrations point to deeper tactical issues the coach has not solved.
The Swedish FA continues to preach patience, while the players have appealed to fans for unity. But the mood at home has shifted from hope to frustration, and now to anxious resignation.
A Pundit’s View
To understand the crisis more clearly, we spoke to Swedish football pundit and media profile Siavoush Fallahi.
The Verdict
Sweden stands at a crossroads. The squad list suggests a team capable of competing with Europe’s best, yet the results say otherwise. Whether this golden generation leaves a lasting mark or fades into regret will depend on decisions taken in the coming months. For now, hope remains alive, but it is hanging by the thinnest of threads.
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Frågor till Sia
We spoke to Swedish football pundit and media profile Siavoush Fallahi to hear his perspective:
• Sweden’s current situation looks dire. How did the national team end up on the brink of missing yet another major tournament? What do you see as the primary causes of this slump despite all the talent available?
• This team has been dubbed a “golden generation,” with Swedish stars thriving at big clubs abroad. In your view, why is the national team failing to harness that individual brilliance? Is it a case of mismanagement, or are the players themselves not delivering when together?
• Do you think tactical or cultural factors are to blame for Sweden’s recent failures? From coaching decisions and formations to the broader football philosophy in Sweden, what underlying issues are preventing success on the pitch?
• Looking ahead, what needs to change for Sweden to turn things around? Can this generation still fulfill its potential, and what steps must the federation and coaching staff take to ensure Sweden doesn’t squander this opportunity for revival?
