.
🇸🇪 Sweden Dismiss Jon Dahl Tomasson After Disappointing World Cup Qualifying Start
Sweden have parted ways with head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson after a poor start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, leaving the national side bottom of Group B.
The decision follows Monday’s 1–0 defeat to Kosovo, which left Sweden with only one point from their opening four matches. The team had previously drawn with Slovenia and suffered losses to both Kosovo and Switzerland.
Tomasson, who took charge in February 2024, made history as Sweden’s first-ever foreign head coach. The former Denmark striker and ex-Blackburn Rovers manager was brought in to modernize the team’s attacking style — but results have not matched expectations.
“The national team has not achieved the results we hoped for,” said Swedish FA chairman Simon Åström in an official statement. “There is still a chance to reach the World Cup play-offs in March, and our duty is to give the team the best possible conditions to succeed. For that, we believe a new leadership is necessary.”
âš˝ Struggles Despite Star Quality
Sweden’s struggles have been particularly frustrating given the talent available. Their attack features Alexander Isak of Liverpool and Viktor Gyökeres of Arsenal — two of Europe’s most in-form forwards — yet the team has managed just one goal in four qualifiers.
Local media reports suggest Tomasson’s tactics never clicked with the players. His attempts to implement a possession-heavy, attacking style reportedly left the side exposed defensively — a stark contrast to Sweden’s traditional focus on organization and discipline.
🗣️ Swedish Media Reaction
According to Daniel Kristoffersson, a senior football journalist at Sportbladet, Tomasson’s methods “didn’t suit the squad’s strengths.”
“He wanted Sweden to play open, attacking football, but forgot what has always defined Swedish teams — defensive solidity and teamwork,” Kristoffersson said. “Despite having world-class players like Isak and Gyökeres, the team looked lost. After the second defeat to Kosovo, his position was no longer tenable.”
🧠What’s Next for Sweden
Sweden will face Switzerland away and Slovenia at home in their final group fixtures, as they try to close the gap on second-placed Kosovo, who currently sit on seven points.
Thanks to their 2024–25 Nations League performance, where they topped their group, Sweden could still secure a play-off spot, even if they fail to finish in the top two of Group B.
Under UEFA’s qualification format, 12 teams qualify automatically by winning their groups, while group runners-up and the best Nations League performers will battle for the remaining four European spots at the 2026 World Cup.
At present, Wales, Romania, Sweden, and Northern Ireland occupy those potential play-off berths.
đź“Š Summary
- Sacked Manager: Jon Dahl Tomasson
- Reason: Poor start to 2026 World Cup qualifiers
- Group B Record: 1 point from 4 matches
- Next Fixtures: Switzerland (A), Slovenia (H)
- Possible Route: Nations League play-off