Switzerland all but in the Cup, Kosovo secure play-off spot

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Gazeta Esportiva.com

·15 de noviembre de 2025

Switzerland all but in the Cup, Kosovo secure play-off spot

Switzerland, who thrashed Sweden 4-1 this Saturday in Geneva, is practically qualified for the 2026 World Cup, but still needs to officially secure its spot for North America on Tuesday, against Kosovo, who have guaranteed at least a place in the playoffs for the first time in their short history.

Before the final round of the Qualifiers, on Tuesday, the Swiss lead Group B with 13 points, unbeaten, with four wins and one draw, as well as a very favorable goal difference (+12).

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The Kosovars, who beat Slovenia away from home 2-0 this Saturday, are in second place with 10 points (3 wins, 2 draws, goal difference +1). Slovenia is third (3 points), while Sweden is at the bottom (1 point).

On Tuesday, in Kosovo, Switzerland only needs to avoid losing by six goals or more to qualify for their 13th World Cup. Their last absence was at the 2002 World Cup, in South Korea and Japan.

Kosovo, ranked 84th in the FIFA rankings, has already secured a place in the playoffs, something unprecedented since the country’s independence in 2008.

How the match went

In Geneva, this Saturday, the Nati players did not hesitate against the Swedes, now managed by Englishman Graham Potter, who replaced Jon Dahl Tomasson on October 20, after three consecutive defeats in the European Qualifiers.

Rennes striker Breel Embolo opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Benjamin Nygren equalized in the 33rd, before the Swiss regained the lead with a penalty converted by captain Granit Xhaka (in the 60th).

Dan Ndoye (75′) and Johan Manzambi, already in stoppage time (90+4′), completed the victory for the team led by Murat Yakin.

At the same time, in Ljubljana, the Kosovars scored early with Fisnik Asllani (in the 6th minute) and extended the lead with Zan Karnicnik (in the 64th), while the Slovenians played with one man down from the 53rd minute, after Petar Stojanovic was sent off.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.