Sweden's final WC qualifier against Slovenia on Tuesday holds no qualification stakes, but nine players risk suspension for the March playoffs with a single yellow card. Coach Graham Potter is carefully considering lineup options. Despite the risks, players like Victor Nilsson Lindelöf and Emil Krafth want to give their all on the pitch.
Sweden faces Slovenia in the final round of WC qualifying on November 18, 2025, with kickoff at 8:45 PM. The match is meaningless for both teams—neither Sweden nor Slovenia can secure a direct spot to the 2026 World Cup or additional playoff places. Sweden is already qualified for the playoffs thanks to winning their group in League C of the Nations League last year. The playoffs will be decided in March.
Despite the lack of stakes, the game raises concerns due to suspension risks. Nine players in the squad—Alexander Isak, Isak Hien, Viktor Johansson, Emil Krafth, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Yasin Ayari, Jesper Karlström, Emil Forsberg, and Alexander Bernhardsson—are one yellow card away from suspension in the playoff semifinal. Coach Graham Potter acknowledges he is considering this for the lineup. "It is something we must keep in mind. We are in a position where we must recover from a match. There are some decisions to make before kickoff. The match in March is important for us, but at the same time we want to end the camp on a good note," Potter says at the pre-match press conference.
The players themselves agree the risk should not hold them back. Right-back Emil Krafth states: "Of course I want to play even if I risk suspension." Captain Victor Nilsson Lindelöf, who will start after being rested against Switzerland (1-4 loss), emphasizes intensity: "You've been in that situation several times. You can't start the match thinking you should hold back. If you play, you have to go all in."
The background includes recent tough losses: 0-2 at home to Kosovo and 1-4 to Switzerland. Potter remains focused on the future and dismisses Norway's WC qualifying success with: "With all respect—I don't care much." The match is seen as a chance to end the camp positively, despite the risks.
