Graham Potter’s first match at the helm of Sweden ended in a heavy 4–1 defeat to Switzerland, who moved within touching distance of a sixth consecutive FIFA World Cup finals appearance. The result leaves Sweden rooted to the bottom of Group B, still searching for their first win of the qualifying campaign.

Switzerland’s leading scorer in this qualifying cycle, Breel Embolo, wasted no time extending his impressive run of form on home soil. After just 12 minutes, Dan Ndoye danced past Daniel Svensson on the right wing and delivered a low cross into the box, where Embolo swept in from close range for his fourth goal of the campaign.

Despite Switzerland’s dominant start, Sweden struck back unexpectedly in the 33rd minute, ending Switzerland’s perfect defensive record in the qualifiers. Anthony Elanga burst down the left flank and fired a pinpoint cross toward Benjamin Nygren, who volleyed past Gregor Kobel to give the visitors a memorable equaliser — Sweden’s first goal under Potter.

The goal sparked new life into the Scandinavians. Nygren twice missed chances created again by Elanga, and Mattias Svanberg forced Kobel into a sharp stop as Sweden finished the first half strong.

However, their promising spell unraveled near the hour mark. Substitute Gabriel Gudmundsson’s loose backpass sent Embolo through on goal, and the striker was brought down by rushing goalkeeper Viktor Johansson. Following a VAR check, Granit Xhaka confidently struck the resulting penalty into the bottom-left corner, restoring Switzerland’s lead.

Switzerland grew in confidence from there, and Embolo nearly added a second after a defensive gift from Isak Hien, but Johansson recovered to make a scrambling save. The reprieve was short-lived. With 15 minutes left, Ndoye latched onto a through-ball from Ruben Vargas and drilled a composed finish into the far corner to make it 3–1.

The Swiss capped their dominant display deep into stoppage time when Johan Manzambi squeezed a low shot inside the near post for their fourth of the evening.

While Switzerland completed their task in Geneva, they will have to wait to confirm qualification after Kosovo also won. A draw against Kosovo on Tuesday will be enough to secure their place at the 2026 finals.

For Sweden, the defeat leaves their hopes hanging by a thread. Potter’s side now faces the unwelcome possibility of finishing a World Cup qualifying campaign without a single victory — raising fresh questions about their prospects of reaching just a second World Cup in six attempts.