When Jon Dahl Tomasson, the 48‑year‑old Danish coach who has steered the Sweden national football team since January 2023, unveiled the line‑up for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 QualifiersFriends Arena in Solna, the reaction was immediate. The 31‑man roster, announced on 27 August 2025, includes a surprising nod to striker Alexander Isak despite his unsettled transfer negotiations with Newcastle United. Here’s why the decision matters for Sweden’s chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Background: Sweden’s Position in Group G
Sweden currently sits second in UEFA Group G with seven points from three matches, trailing Austria by two points. The group winner punches an automatic ticket to the tournament, while the runner‑up must survive a playoff in March 2026. After a solid Nations League run in 2025, the Swedes are banking on a balanced mix of experience and youth to tip the scales in October’s double‑header against Slovenia and Kosovo.
Squad Details – A Blend of Veterans and Rising Stars
The Sweden squad features three goalkeepers: Viktor Johansson (Stoke City), seasoned international Robin Olsen (Malmö FF) and veteran Kristoffer Nordfeldt (AIK). On defence, captain Isak Hien of Atalanta leads a back‑line that includes Gabriel Gudmundsson (Leeds United) and 18‑year‑old prodigy John Mellberg (RB Salzburg). Midfield offers a mix of creativity and grit, with Dejan Kulusevski (Tottenham Hotspur) and Yasin Ayari (Brighton & Hove Albion) anchoring the centre.
Up front, the headline names are Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal). Gyökeres arrives with a striking 9‑goal tally in six national‑team appearances, while Isak has netted four in four Nations League outings. Supporting the front line are Jordan Larsson (FC Copenhagen) and Benjamin Nygren (Celtic).
Isak’s Transfer Saga – Why Tomasson Still Wants Him
The biggest headline‑grabber is the inclusion of Isak, who has been entangled in a €120 million transfer saga. Since signing a six‑year deal with Newcastle United in August 2022, the striker has been linked with moves to Manchester United, Chelsea and even a return to La Liga. Reports suggest Newcastle’s asking price has risen after a strong start to the Premier League season, but talks remain at an impasse.
Tomasson addressed the situation in a press conference: “I am very happy that Alexander wants to be in the squad. He is a huge player. The situation he is in is not perfect, and he has not trained with the team.” The manager’s candor reflects both a belief in Isak’s quality and a pragmatic need for a proven goal‑scorer as Sweden eyes the top spot.
Analysts note that keeping Isak signals continuity—Sweden has scored 11 goals in five competitive fixtures this year, with Isak accounting for a third. Removing him could thin the attacking options, especially against disciplined defenses like Slovenia’s.
Match Outlook – Slovenia and Kosovo
First up, Slovenia on 7 October 2025 at 20:45 CET. The Slovenes have been defensively solid, conceding just one goal in their last three qualifiers. Sweden will likely deploy a 4‑2‑3‑1, with Isak leading the line, Kulusevski roaming behind, and Gyökeres providing a target‑man alternative.
Three days later, Kosovo arrives at 18:00 CET. Kosovo’s recent form has been erratic, but they possess a fearless attacking trio capable of testing any defence. Sweden’s depth—particularly the midfield versatility of Sebastian Nanasi (Strasbourg) and Gustaf Nilsson (Club Brugge)—could be the differentiator.
Both matches will be played at Friends Arena, a 54,329‑seat venue in Solna that has hosted numerous internationals since its opening in 2012. The stadium’s modern pitch and passionate Swedish fans create an atmosphere that often boosts the home side.
Implications for Qualification
Winning both fixtures would catapult Sweden to 13 points, likely clinching the group. A draw with Slovenia followed by a win over Kosovo would keep the race open but still favor the Swedes, given Austria’s recent dip in form. A slip‑up, however, could hand Austria a decisive edge, forcing Sweden into the March 2026 playoffs.
Statistically, Sweden scores an average of 2.2 goals per game in qualifiers, while conceding just 0.9. Adding Isak’s proven finishing could lift the goal average above 2.5—a threshold that historically correlates with group‑topping campaigns.
What’s Next – Training, Friendlies, and Final Preparations
Following the squad announcement, the team will convene for a two‑week training camp at the Åland Islands, where Tomasson plans to run tactical drills focused on set‑piece organisation—an area Sweden has struggled with in the past. A friendly against Denmark on 20 September 2025 will serve as the final test before the qualifiers.
Meanwhile, the transfer market will keep the spotlight on Isak. Should Newcastle reach a settlement before the first qualifier, Isak could join a new club immediately after the campaign, potentially altering his role in the squad’s dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Alexander Isak’s inclusion affect Sweden’s attacking options?
Isak provides a proven goal‑scoring threat, having netted four in four Nations League matches. His presence offers Tomasson a focal point in the final third, freeing Gyökeres to play a supporting role. If Isak were omitted, Sweden would lose a player capable of converting limited chances against tight defenses like Slovenia’s.
What are Sweden’s chances of topping Group G?
If Sweden win both October matches, they will reach 13 points, a tally that historically secures first place. Even a draw‑win combo keeps them within striking distance, provided Austria drops points. The squad’s defensive solidity and added firepower from Isak tilt the odds in Sweden’s favor.
When and where will the qualifiers be played?
Both games are set at Friends Arena in Solna, Sweden. The match against Slovenia kicks off on 7 October 2025 at 20:45 CET, while the Kosovo fixture follows on 10 October 2025 at 18:00 CET.
What impact could the transfer saga have on Isak’s performance?
Uncertainty can be a distraction, but Tomasson’s public backing aims to shield Isak from media pressure. Historically, players in similar situations have either risen to the occasion or underperformed; early training sessions will reveal how Isak adapts.
Who are the key players to watch besides Isak?
Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal) with his nine‑goal haul, Dejan Kulusevski (Tottenham) for his creativity, and captain Isak Hien (Atalanta) anchoring the defence are all crucial. In midfield, Sebastian Nanasi’s playmaking for Strasbourg could unlock tight games.
Vaibhav Singh
October 11, 2025 AT 00:03Keeping Isak is a dumb move; Sweden will choke without a proper backup striker.
harshit malhotra
October 13, 2025 AT 07:36Sweden's decision to lock in Isak feels like a nostalgic grasp at past glory while the rest of Europe evolves at breakneck speed.
The qualifiers are a battlefield where experience meets raw ambition, and Tomasson's gamble may either pay off spectacularly or backfire in the most humiliating fashion.
One cannot ignore that Isak's transfer saga has been a circus for months, and such mental baggage can either sharpen a player's focus or fracture his confidence.
From a tactical standpoint, a 4‑2‑3‑1 with Isak leading the line offers a classic focal point, but if the midfield fails to supply quality chances, that formation becomes a mirror of empty promises.
Sweden's back‑line, anchored by captain Isak Hien, appears solid on paper, yet the young John Mellberg will need to mature quickly against seasoned attackers.
The midfield trio of Kulusevski, Ayari, and Nanasi provides a blend of creativity and defensive grit, though consistency remains a concern.
Statistically, Sweden's goal per game ratio sits comfortably above two, but the defense's sub‑one‑goal average could crumble under pressure from disciplined sides like Slovenia.
Playing at Friends Arena gives the Swedes a home‑field advantage, but crowd support can't compensate for tactical naivety.
If Austria slips, Sweden could snatch the top spot, but the margins are razor‑thin and depend heavily on Isak delivering on his reputation.
Should the striker be distracted by transfer rumors, it may create a vacuum that Gyökeres is forced to fill, potentially changing the team's dynamic.
The upcoming friendly against Denmark will be a litmus test for squad cohesion and set‑piece organization, areas where Sweden historically falters.
Moreover, the training camp at the Åland Islands could be crucial for polishing the team's chemistry before the crucial October fixtures.
From a broader perspective, the European qualifiers are becoming a chess match of form, injuries, and psychological resilience.
The Swedes must manage player egos, maintain tactical discipline, and capitalize on their scoring prowess to stay in contention.
In the end, Tomasson's decision to keep Isak is a high‑risk, high‑reward move that will be judged by the results on the pitch, not by headlines.
Ankit Intodia
October 15, 2025 AT 15:09Isak's presence adds a proven clinical edge that Sweden desperately needs, especially against compact defenses like Slovenia's.
His track record of four goals in four Nations League games shows he can find the net when chances are scarce.
At the same time, Gyökeres offers a different type of threat, giving the coach flexibility to switch tactics mid‑game.
That balance between a target man and a mobile striker could be the key to breaking down stubborn opponents.
From a philosophical angle, the team must embrace both continuity and adaptability to thrive in the qualifiers.
Aaditya Srivastava
October 17, 2025 AT 22:43Swedish football culture has always prized teamwork over individual heroics, so it's interesting to see the blend of veterans and youngsters in this squad.
The inclusion of 18‑year‑old John Mellberg shows they're grooming the next generation while still relying on seasoned heads.
Vaibhav Kashav
October 20, 2025 AT 06:16Sure, new blood is cool, but a rookie defender can't be expected to single‑handedly stop a seasoned attack.
saurabh waghmare
October 22, 2025 AT 13:49From a coaching perspective, the mix of experience and youth provides depth but also demands careful rotation.
Balancing minutes for veterans like Olsen and giving game time to emerging talents will be vital for maintaining form throughout the campaign.
Madhav Kumthekar
October 24, 2025 AT 21:23Totally agree, the squad depth is solid, but the real test will be how they handle injuries or suspension setbacks.
Having quality backups at every position can make the difference between a playoff spot and outright qualification.
Deepanshu Aggarwal
October 27, 2025 AT 04:56Exactly! 😊 Keeping the squad balanced ensures they stay competitive no matter what challenges arise.
Harshada Warrier
October 29, 2025 AT 12:29i think the whole isak transfer saga is a cover up for a secret plan to sell the whole team to a private syndicate.
Jyoti Bhuyan
October 31, 2025 AT 20:03Stay positive! The team has the talent to overcome any obstacles, on and off the pitch.