Here is some useful information ahead of the group finale in the C-division, a match that can be followed on Viaplay or TV6 or listened to on P4 radiosport. Kickoff is 20.00.
It's about: Sweden secured the group win with the 2-1 victory over Slovakia on Saturday. Despite this, the finale against Azerbaijan is important. Four group winners will get a place in the playoffs to the VM 2026. It's about the four best-ranked group winners who don't finish top two in their VM qualifying group.
The situation in the Swedish squad: Team captain Victor Nilsson Lindelöf was injured against Slovakia and Isak Hien is suspended since he has two yellow cards. Two defensive gaps need to be filled. Gustaf Lagerbielke and Henrik Rönnlöf Castegren were called in on Sunday. Carl Starfelt and Gabriel Gudmundsson will take their places in the defense ahead of Viktor Johansson. Dejan Kulusevski becomes the team captain.
The interest is low. At least for watching the match on site. Ticket sales have gone really slowly and it's pointing to a crowd of just over 10,000.
Sweden's squad:
Goalkeepers: Viktor Johansson, Stoke, Kristoffer Nordfeldt, AIK, Jacob Widell Zetterström, Derby.
Defenders: Gabriel Gudmundsson, Lille, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Twente, Samuel Dahl, Roma, Henrik Rönnlöf Castegren, Sirius, Ken Sema, Watford, Emil Holm, Bologna, Carl Starfelt, Celta Vigo, Daniel Svensson, FC Nordsjälland, Nils Zätterström, Malmö FF.
Midfielders/forwards: Yasin Ayari, Brighton, Lucas Bergvall, Tottenham, Niclas Eliasson, AEK Aten, Emil Forsberg, New York Red Bull, Viktor Gyökeres, Newcastle, Jesper Karlström, Udinese, Anton Salétros, Strasbourg.
Coach: Jon Dahl Tomasson.
Azerbaijan's squad:
Goalkeepers: Mehdi Jannatov, Sumgayit, Rza Jafarov, Neftji, Yusif Imanov, Sabah.
Defenders: Amin Sejdijev, Sabah, Gismat Alijev, Zira, Turan, Rahil Mammadov, Qarabag, Badavi Husejnov, Qarabag, Turan, HJK Helsingfors, Ozan Can Köktju, Polissya, Ankaragücü, Qarabag, Renat Dadasjov, Neftji.
Midfielders/forwards: Elvin Jamalov, Sabah, Joshgun Dinijev, Bandirmaspor, Turan, HJK Helsingfors, Ozan Can Köktju, Polissya, Ankaragücü, Jejhun Nurijev, Darmstadt.
Coach: Fernando Santos.
