Sweden ended their World Cup qualification Group B campaign without a win and rooted to the bottom of the standings, but a late equaliser from Gustav Lundgren earned a 1–1 draw with Slovenia, snapping their four-match losing streak ahead of the playoffs. Slovenia, already eliminated before kickoff, conclude their campaign in third place.

Despite Sweden’s desire to secure a first victory of the group — and first under head coach Graham Potter — the Englishman clearly had one eye on the upcoming playoffs. He opted to start only one of the nine players at risk of suspension due to yellow cards: Emil Krafth.

Alexander Isak was among those benched, giving Lundgren an early chance to make his mark. The forward came close after just eight minutes, unleashing a powerful strike that flew narrowly over the bar. Slovenia responded five minutes later when Žan Karničnik tested Jacob Widell Zetterström, whose reflex save tipped the venomous effort over the crossbar.

Just before the half-hour mark, Mattias Svanberg found space through the middle but failed to keep his long-range attempt down. Though the match lacked quality, it remained end-to-end. Krafth justified his inclusion with two crucial blocks in quick succession, only for Erik Janža to fire the loose ball well over. The half looked set to finish goalless until added time, when Adam Gnezda Čerin’s 25-yard strike forced Widell Zetterström into another fine save to preserve parity.

Sweden began the second half full of intent. Roony Bardghji’s effort was blocked before Besfort Zeneli sent the rebound wide. Slovenia gradually wrestled control, but Widell Zetterström handled Timi Elšnik’s effort comfortably — though he could do nothing about the midfielder’s next attempt.

In the 64th minute, a costly mistake from Carl Starfelt gifted Slovenia the opener. His misplaced pass fell straight to Andraž Šporar, who drove to the byline and squared for Elšnik to tap home from close range. It marked the fifth consecutive match in which Sweden conceded first.

Eight minutes later, Sweden finally forced Igor Vekić into action. Daniel Svensson’s deep header was met by Isac Lidberg, whose point-blank effort was brilliantly pushed away by the Slovenia goalkeeper.

Time was slipping away for the hosts, but in the 87th minute they found their equaliser. Alexander Bernhardsson’s deep cross was kept alive at the back post by Gustaf Lagerbielke, whose knockdown fell perfectly for Lundgren to volley in and salvage a point.

Slovenia had one last opportunity to snatch victory in stoppage time, but Widell Zetterström stood tall to deny Tomi Horvat and secure the draw. Matjaž Kek’s side finish the group on four points, drawing all four of their matches — two more than Sweden managed in their six outings.