It already feels like a crucial game for Sweden when they welcome Switzerland to the Strawberry Arena in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday night. Indeed, they are already a total of five points behind the Swiss after just two matches played in Group B so far.
Finishing top of the group will book an automatic place into the finals for next year, and both Sweden and Switzerland are more fancied than Slovenia and Kosovo due to their higher respective FIFA World Rankings. Nonetheless, football is not played on paper, and so the Swedes have some work to do.
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Key stats
- Sweden have won their last five home games in a row in total across all competitions.
- Switzerland are currently on a five-match winning streak in all competitions.
- Sweden are unbeaten in the previous four H2Hs.
Correct score prediction: Sweden 2-2 Switzerland
Both of these nations possess especially exciting attacking firepower, and so we can expect plenty of goals on show. Switzerland are in great form, and so it will be difficult for Sweden to get the win they really need.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Sweden favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 11/8 (2.38) – 42.1%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 19/10 (2.90) – 34.5%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Sweden have been installed as the favourites with bookmakers to claim what would feel like a crucial three points on home soil. Switzerland can still be backed to win at just under 35%, while a draw is rated at just under 30%.
Also, feel free to check out our Football Betting Tips Today page to engage with more of our predictions for the other World Cup qualifiers taking place.
Most recent H2Hs: Sweden hoping to extend unbeaten streak
As mentioned previously, Sweden are unbeaten in the last four H2Hs in total in all competitions. That should give them some form of confidence heading into this game.
World Cup 2018 03/07/18
Sweden
Switzerland
Sweden preview: No fresh concerns
Sweden have reported no fresh injury concerns heading into this clash. Deadly striking duo Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres will be expected to start together.
Predicted lineup: Johansson (GK); Ekdal, Hien, Gudmundsson, Svensson, Bernhardsson; Bergvall, Ayari, Larsson; Gyokeres & Isak
Last five results:
- Kosovo 2-0 Sweden
- Slovenia 2-2 Sweden
- Sweden 4-3 Algeria
- Hungary 0-2 Sweden
- Sweden 5-1 Northern Ireland
Switzerland preview: Also no scares in camp
Like their opponents, Switzerland have reported no new concerns in their squad. They will be expected to name a very strong starting XI.
Predicted lineup: Kobel (GK); Widmer, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Freuler, Manzambi, Xhaka; Ndoye, Embolo & Vargas
Last five results:
- Switzerland 3-0 Slovenia
- Switzerland 4-0 Kosovo
- USA 0-4 Switzerland
- Mexico 2-4 Switzerland
- Switzerland 3-1 Luxembourg
Player to watch: Breel Embolo
Breel Embolo is a striker in great form for Switzerland, and so Sweden will do well to keep him quiet for the whole game. Indeed, he has already scored a total of three goals in qualifying, and will be hoping to add to his tally at the Strawberry Arena.