Alexander Isak handed unexpected World Cup lifeline after Sweden’s shock defeat to Kosovo

Alexander Isak and Sweden will want to quickly move on from a disappointing week, though their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup aren’t completely over.

 

While his Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah can already plan for a summer in North America after Egypt secured qualification, Isak endured back-to-back home defeats to Switzerland and Kosovo.

 

Although the 26-year-old avoided most of the criticism following the Switzerland loss, things went from bad to worse for Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side as they slumped to an embarrassing defeat to 91st-ranked Kosovo — a team 59 places below them.

 

That result leaves Sweden bottom of UEFA Group B with just one point from four matches, trailing second place (which guarantees a play-off spot) by six points with only two games remaining.

 

Normally, failing to finish in the top two would mean elimination, but Sweden still have a lifeline. Thanks to the World Cup’s expansion from 32 to 48 teams, UEFA will grant play-off spots to the four highest-ranked Nations League group winners who don’t finish in the top two — a category Sweden currently fall into.

 

If they manage to earn that play-off berth, they’ll compete in a four-team mini-tournament next March, with the winner booking a ticket to North America.

 

Isak, who was just 18 when Sweden last appeared at the World Cup in 2018, is eager to prove himself on football’s biggest stage now that he’s entering his prime years.

 

However, Sweden’s poor autumn form must improve dramatically, especially after suffering a double defeat to Kosovo in their group campaign.

 

Isak, who missed a full pre-season while pushing for his move from Newcastle to Liverpool, has been regaining match fitness in recent weeks.

 

If Sweden ultimately fail to qualify, Isak will have the summer off — a potential advantage that could see him return to Liverpool next season in peak condition. Still, both fans and club will be hoping he begins repaying that £125 million transfer fee much sooner — starting with a statement performance against Manchester United at Anf

ield this Sunday.