Prediction: Sweden vs Slovenia

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Sweden and Slovenia, both out of contention for direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup from Group B, will meet on Tuesday in their final group-stage clash.

The hosts sit bottom of the table with just one point from five matches, while the visitors occupy third place with three points from the same number of games.

Sweden

Sweden entered Group B as one of the favorites to secure automatic qualification, with attacking talents like Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres expected to lead the charge.

However, the campaign has fallen far short of expectations. Sweden are rooted to the bottom of the standings with only one point from five fixtures, ending any hope of qualifying through the group stage.

Their opening match offered early promise—a spirited display in a 2-2 draw with Slovenia—but a stoppage-time equalizer from Žan Vipotnik denied them victory. That setback was followed by three straight defeats: twice to Kosovo (2-0 and 1-0) and once to Switzerland (2-0), prompting the dismissal of manager Jon Dahl Tomasson after the September international break.

Graham Potter was appointed to steady the ship, but his debut brought no improvement, as Sweden slumped to a 4-1 defeat against Switzerland.

Despite their struggles, Sweden still have a route to the tournament via the Nations League playoffs, and Potter will be eager to secure a morale-boosting win before those fixtures.

Team News

Isak began on the bench in the 4-1 loss to Switzerland but could return to the starting lineup against Slovenia, potentially partnering Benjamin Nygren in attack.

In midfield, Emil Forsberg may join Anthony Elanga, Yasin Ayari, and Alexander Bernhardsson, while Gabriel Gudmundsson could replace Emil Holm in defense.

Slovenia

Slovenia also failed to capitalize on their opening-day 2-2 draw with Sweden and have endured a similarly frustrating campaign.

After five matches, they have recorded three draws—including two goalless stalemates—and two defeats, leaving them third in the group with just three points.

Goals have been scarce for Matjaž Kek’s side, who have scored only twice in qualifying—both in that initial draw with Sweden.

With World Cup qualification out of reach, Slovenia will aim to finish on a positive note with a long-awaited victory.

However, history offers little encouragement: Slovenia have not beaten Sweden in their last four meetings across all competitions, managing three draws and suffering one defeat.

Team News

Petar Stojanović will miss out after receiving two yellow cards and being sent off in the previous match.

In addition, Matjaž Kek may opt for several changes following the disappointing defeat to Kosovo, with Benjamin Verbič, Dejan Petrovič, and Nejc Grandišar all potential starters.

Head-to-Head Record

Sweden and Slovenia have met four times in recent years, with three of those encounters ending in draws and Sweden winning the other. Slovenia have never beaten Sweden in competitive action, underlining the hosts’ historical advantage in this matchup.

Conclusion

Both sides have endured poor qualifying campaigns, particularly struggling to find the back of the net, and that trend could persist here.

Three of their last four meetings have ended in draws, but Sweden will have the support of the crowd on their side and should be able to win.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Olympusbet