Isak + Jörgensen = Failure? Sweden's World Cup Qualifiers: 1 point in 4 matches, no goals in last 3 rounds, already out of contention for top spot

At 02:45 Beijing time on October 14, during the 4th round of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers Group B, Sweden, ranked 32nd globally and valued at 460 million euros, suffered a 0-1 home defeat to Kosovo, ranked 91st and valued at 107 million euros. This result marks Sweden's fourth match without a win in the qualifiers, with 3 losses and 1 draw, earning only 1 point. They have failed to score in the last 3 qualifier games and have already been eliminated from the chance to top the group, which also means they will miss direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Sweden's squad includes two star strikers: Liverpool's new signing Isak, valued at 120 million euros, and Arsenal's new signing Jörgensen, valued at 75 million euros, combining for a total worth of 195 million euros. The team also features key players from top five European leagues such as Newcastle winger Isak, Tottenham midfielder Berriwal, Dortmund midfielder Svensson, Brighton midfielder Aya, and Atalanta defender Signe.

Despite Sweden's strong lineup, under rookie coach Thomassen, they have only managed 1 point in 4 qualifying matches. The team lacks a coherent tactical system and fails to unite these top league stars, making their 2026 World Cup hopes increasingly distant. A head coach is crucial; without tactical cohesion, even having two Premier League star forwards is in vain. Truly, poor coaching exhausts the entire team. Comparing Isak and Jörgensen to Haaland, who has scored 8 goals in 2 qualifier matches, both Nordic countries are worlds apart—Norway thriving while Sweden struggles.