Swedish national soccer coach Jon Dahl Tomasson is under massive pressure after Sweden suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Switzerland in a World Cup qualifying match on Friday night. The loss has left Swedish fans disappointed, frustrated, and searching for answers — especially since the team now sits at the bottom of Group B with just one point after three games.
This match was more than just another loss — it was supposed to be a turning point for Sweden’s World Cup dream. Instead, it turned into what local media are calling a “travesty,” as the home side failed to score and struggled tactically throughout the game.
A Crucial Match With Everything on the Line
Sweden went into the match at the Friends Arena in Solna knowing it had to win to keep its World Cup hopes alive. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and every European team is battling through tough qualifying rounds to earn one of the limited spots.
Before the game, Sweden had drawn one and lost one — meaning they needed a victory to stay in the race. But Switzerland, known for their organized defense and quick counterattacks, were ready. With players like Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen) and Xherdan Shaqiri (Chicago Fire), the Swiss team played with confidence and discipline.
By halftime, Sweden was already trailing 1–0 after Switzerland capitalized on a defensive error. The second goal came late in the second half, sealing Sweden’s fate and adding more pressure on Jon Dahl Tomasson’s shoulders.
Tactical Changes — But the Wrong Ones?
During the match, Jon Dahl Tomasson — a former Danish international striker who once played for AC Milan and Newcastle United — made several tactical adjustments. His goal was to help Sweden control possession and push for an equalizer. But not everyone agreed with his choices.
One of the loudest critics was Bojan Djordjic, a former Swedish player and now an expert for Viaplay, a major sports broadcaster in Scandinavia. Djordjic strongly disagreed with how Jon Dahl Tomasson handled his substitutions — especially his decision to delay bringing on Anthony Elanga, the talented Newcastle United winger known for his pace and energy.
“Jon Dahl Tomasson must do something now. It is a blatant reason for dismissal that Elanga is still out there warming up,” said Djordjic during the broadcast.
That comment quickly went viral on social media, with many fans agreeing that Sweden needed more attacking power much earlier in the game. Instead, Jon Dahl Tomasson chose to bring on Anton Salétros and Daniel Svensson, both midfielders, as well as Emil Holm, a defender. Only in the final minutes did he introduce Roony Bardghji, a young forward from FC Barcelona who many fans wanted to see earlier.
“It is not substitutions that will change the outcome of the match, and especially not when you need a result. Then it is better to take risks and go for it, and then lose 2-0. Now you’re still going to lose 2-0 and be a coward at the same time,” Djordjic added bluntly.
Jon Dahl Tomasson’s Response — Playing It Safe
At the post-match press conference, Tomasson defended his decisions, saying that he didn’t want to risk losing a player or making an early substitution that could backfire.
“We wanted fresh legs in different positions. But we wanted to wait for the last replacement if something were to happen. If you change too early, you can end up in a situation where you have to play with ten men,” he explained calmly.
Jon Dahl Tomasson emphasized that the team is still adjusting to his playing style — one that focuses on possession-based soccer, quick transitions, and tactical flexibility. However, many fans feel that Sweden needs more direct attacking play, especially when trailing.
Sweden’s Struggles Continue
Sweden’s start to the World Cup qualifying campaign has been disappointing. After three games, they have:
0 wins
1 draw
2 losses
1 point total
That puts them last in Group B, behind Switzerland (9 points), Kosovo (4 points), and Slovenia (2 points). To have any chance of qualifying, Sweden will need to win almost all their remaining matches — a tall order given the current form.
It’s especially surprising because Sweden has a history of strong World Cup performances. They reached the semifinals in 1994 in the United States and made it to the quarterfinals in 2018 in Russia. However, they failed to qualify for the 2022 tournament in Qatar, losing in the playoffs to Poland.
For many Swedish fans, this poor start feels like history repeating itself — and they’re worried the national team could miss another World Cup.
Soccer Facts & Recent News Combo
To understand Sweden’s situation better, let’s look at a few soccer facts and recent developments:
World Cup Qualification Is Harder Than Ever – Europe has many strong teams, but only 13 can qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Even countries with world-class players sometimes fail to make it.
New Talents Emerging – Sweden has exciting young stars like Roony Bardghji (Barcelona), Anthony Elanga (Newcastle United), and Hugo Larsson (Eintracht Frankfurt). Many experts believe they represent the future of Swedish soccer.
Switzerland’s Consistency – The Swiss have now qualified for the last five major tournaments in a row, including Euro 2024 and the 2022 World Cup. Their teamwork and tactical stability make them one of Europe’s toughest sides to beat.
Coaching Pressure Is Normal – In international soccer, coaches often face criticism when results go wrong. Even famous managers like Gareth Southgate (England) and Didier Deschamps (France) have faced public pressure during tough spells.
Over 2.5 Goals Trend – Interestingly, in most of Sweden’s recent competitive matches, there have been over 2.5 goals scored in total. That means their games often feature plenty of action — even if it doesn’t always go Sweden’s way.
What’s Next for Sweden?
Jon Dahl Tomasson and his players must now regroup quickly. Their next match is against Kosovo, a side that has shown surprising strength in recent years. A win could boost Sweden’s morale and keep their hopes alive, but another loss would likely mean the end of their qualification dream.
Fans are calling for more attacking football, with Elanga and Bardghji starting together. There’s also growing support for veteran striker Alexander Isak, who has been in top form for Newcastle in the English Premier League.
Sports reporters suggest that Jon Dahl Tomasson might switch to a 4-3-3 formation to allow more attacking width — a setup that could better use Sweden’s fast wingers.
Final Thoughts: Can Jon Dahl Tomasson Turn It Around?
The pressure is intense, but not all hope is lost. In soccer, things can change quickly. A single win can shift momentum, restore confidence, and silence critics — at least for a while.
Jon Dahl Tomasson is an experienced coach who previously led Blackburn Rovers in England and Malmö FF in Sweden. He’s known for being calm under pressure and focusing on long-term development. If he can rally the team, fix the tactics, and inspire belief, Sweden might still climb back into contention.
But for now, the Swedish fans are restless. They want passion, goals, and victories — not explanations. The next few games will decide whether Jon Dahl Tomasson can keep his job or if Sweden will look for a new leader to rescue their World Cup dream.
Quick Recap:
Sweden lost 2–0 to Switzerland at home.
Coach Tomasson criticized for poor substitutions.
Elanga stayed on the bench too long.
Sweden last in Group B with just one point.
Next match: Sweden vs Kosovo — must win!
Tip: Over 2.5 Goals (expect an open and attacking game).
