+ What's at stake?
After the losses at home against Switzerland (0–2) and Kosovo (0–1), the playoff in March is the men's national team's only way to the World Championship in the USA, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
Blågult can get there either as second in the qualifying group or possibly through the so-called Nations League lifeline.
+ How does Sweden become group runner-up?
To finish second in the group, Sweden must win against Switzerland away and Slovenia at home on November 15 and 18, respectively, at the same time as Kosovo takes zero points in their two matches. In addition, Sweden must have a better goal difference than Kosovo. Blågult currently has –5 and Kosovo has –1.
+ Why is the lifeline a tougher way?
It's better to take a place in the playoff as one of the 12 group runners-up – otherwise, Sweden risks getting a really tough opponent in the playoff semifinal. This is because the four Nations League teams are placed in the fourth and worst draw pot. The other 12 teams are placed in pot 1, 2, or 3 based on the world ranking in November. Sweden is in 40th place before the matches against Switzerland and Slovenia.
+ What nightmare opponent can await?
If it becomes a place in the playoff via the lifeline, Sweden can get semifinal opponents like Italy (9th in the world ranking) or Germany (10). Both risk being forced into a World Championship playoff.
+ Is the lifeline near?
The lifeline becomes relevant if Blågult finishes third or fourth in the group. This bonus chance is available for the national teams that won their groups in the Nations League (NL) in the fall of 2024. There, Sweden won the C division.
Sweden was ranked as the tenth best NL group winner, but only four get to play the playoff. This means that at least six of the better-ranked winners must finish top two in their World Championship qualifying group for the lifeline to be available.
Currently, Norway, England, Portugal, and Spain have secured at least a second place. The other NL winners ranked before Sweden are Germany, France, Wales, the Czech Republic, and Romania.
+ How does the playoff work
In the playoff, the 16 teams are drawn into four paths where semifinals and finals are played, both in single matches. The highest-ranked team plays at home. The venue for the finals is drawn. Both matches are played in March.
