Europe WC 2026 Qualifications Europe, 9-11 October

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Sweden vs Switzerland Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Sweden:
Johansson; Gudmundsson, Hien, Ekdal; Svensson, Saletros, Ayari, Larsson, Bernhardsson; Gyokeres, Isak

Switzerland:
Kobel; Rodriguez, Akanji, Elvedi, Widmer; Xhaka, Rieder, Freuler; Vargas, Embolo, Ndoye

Sweden have just one point from the opening two rounds. They sit third in Group B, behind Switzerland and Kosovo and this is a "Do or Die" situation for the Scandinavians. The draw away at Slovenia isn't a bad result, but the defeat in Kosovo spoiled the atmosphere in the national team. There are tensions after every defeat, but this went too far. Goalkeeper Robin Olsen decide to withdraw from international duty after coach Jon Dahl Tomasson informed him he was no longer the first-choice player following a costly mistake. Olsen stated he did not want to work with Tomasson and would only return if he was the No. 1 goalkeeper, which the coach said wouldn't happen. The Danes then accused Olsen of letting his teammates down by retiring, while Olsen was clear he won't play for the national team as long as Jon Dahl Tomasson is the national team coach. That means Stoke City goalkeeper Viktor Johansson will start here, with the 27-year-old looking to earn his 10th cap. It is clear his international inexperience could be a problem. However, the fans are expecting victory as Sweden have top strikers, like Alexander Isak from Liverpool, Viktor Gyokeres from Arsenal and Anthony Elanga from Newcastle.

Switzerland are leaders in Group B with six points from two matches. They managed to beat Kosovo with 4:0 and then Slovenia with 3:0. The Red Crosses completely outplayed Slovenia at St Jakob Park. Switzerland produced six shots on goal and boasted 65% possession, while three goals were scored by three different players - Nico Elvedi, Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye. Embolo is top of the team leading scorer, but Ruben Vargas should also be mentioned as he has three assists. But they must continue with victories as only the first place guarantee automatic qualification to the World Cup. However, the atmosphere in the national team is good, while the players confidence is high. The Red Crosses have qualified on the last five World Cups and the fans are expecting a continuity. Coach Murat Yakin will try to take advantage from the solid start to their latest qualifying campaign. Switzerland are have lost only one of their last 40 World Cup qualifying matches, winning 30 in the process. Yakin has almost all players available, with only one injury worry ahead of this match as Simon Sohm is rated as doubtful due to a foot injury,

Sweden vs Switzerland Prediction:

I expect goals on both sides. Switzerland are in excellent form, they are leaders in Group B. The Red Crosses managed to score four goals against Kosovo and three goals against Slovenia. Sweden, meanwhile, are in complicated situation, they have just one point from the opening two rounds. However, they have three fantastic strikers in Alexander Isak from Liverpool, Viktor Gyokeres from Arsenal and Anthony Elanga from Newcastle. It will be a small miracle nobody of those three to find the back of the net.

Sweden vs Switzerland Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.71 with Pinnacle

 

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Norway vs Israel Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Norway:
Nyland; Ryerson, Heggem, Ajer, Bjorkan; Berg, Berge, Aasgard; Sorloth, Haaland, Schjelderup

Israel:
Da. Peretz; Dasa, Lemkin, Nachmias, Revivo; Do. Peretz, E. Peretz; Biton, Gloukh, Solomon; Baribo

Norway will welcome Israel to Oslo on Saturday in the most interesting clash of Group I. Norway are leaders in the group with maximal 15 points from five matches. They managed to beat Moldova home and away, plus Italy, Israel and Estonia. The Scandinavians obtained the most important victory against the favorites Italy, beating them 3:0. Norway have produced just four shots on goal, but they were clinical. The goals were scored by three different players - Sorloth, Nusa and Haaland. The latest is the team leading scorer. But Norway must continue with victories as only the first place guarantee automatic qualification to the World Cup, while the second-placed team will have to go through complicated play-offs. However, the atmosphere in the national team is good, while the players confidence is high. But coach Solbakken has two big problems ahead of this match. First, captain Martin Odegaard is sidelined. The Arsenal midfielder has suffered a knee injury and his absence is a huge handicap. Second, Genoa defender Leo Ostigard broke a rib last weekend and won't play here. On the positive note, Jorgen Strand Larsen is available after being sidelined in September.

Israel are third on the table with nine points from five matches. They managed to beat Estonia home and away, as well as Moldova, but lost to Norway and Italy. The latter was a "crazy" match with nine goals, that ultimately finished 5:4 for the Azzurri. Israel led 1:0 and 2:1, before Italy moved 4:2 ahead and looked on course for a victory. However, Israel scored in the 87th and 89th minutes to make it 4:4, before Tonali curled in a low shot from 20 yards through a crowded penalty area and into the bottom corner for the winner in the 91st minute. It was a big disappointment for Israel players, now in danger of losing the battle for second place. However, they will not give up easily. Israel are still in the run for the second place in the group I and three points from this match are very important. Coach Ran Ben Shimon has only one option and that's victory, Every other result will means they are out. Knowing that, I think Shimon will ask offensive from his players. Playing the final tournament would be something extraordinary for the country, particularly knowing their last World Cup appearance was in 1970. The main problem is connect with the fact Israel are "guests" on every match of the qualifications due to actual political situation in the country.

Norway vs Israel Prediction:

Israel are third on the table with nine points and they have no space for calculations. Three points from this match are vital in the battle for the second place. So, coach Shimon will ask offensive from his players. There has been a total of 57 goals scored in Israel’s last 11 WC qualifying matches which is an average of more than 5 goals per game. But attacking Norway is dangerous, particularly knowing their attack. Erling Haaland alone has scored 21 goals in Norway’s last 13 international matches. That is why I expect an efficient match here. Israel have scored four goals in each of their last two World Cup qualifying matches. I suppose they are able to score one or two in Oslo. The rest of the "job" should be done by Haaland and his teammates.

Norway vs Israel Pick: Over 3.5 goals @ 1.83 with Pinnacle