2026 World Cup qualifying round-up: Switzerland effectively seal place in finals as Potter fails to work Sweden magic

"Switzerland are all but certain of a place at the 2026 World Cup finals after thrashing Sweden, who must now go through the play-offs following a dreadful start for new boss Graham Potter. It looked as if Potter's arrival as coach might spark a revival from Sweden when Benjamin Nygren equalised after Breel Embolo's opener. But Granit Xhaka's penalty restored Switzerland's lead, before Dan Ndoye and Johan Manzambi made the points safe."

"European champions Spain essentially sealed Group E and their place in the finals with a 4-0 win over Georgia, but Denmark missed the chance to do the same as they failed to take advantage of Scotland's 3-2 loss to Greece. Brian Riemer's men were held to a 2-2 draw by Belarus and now travel to Hampden Park still needing a point against Scotland to qualify. A Scotland win would see them qualify for the finals for the first time since 1998."

"Austria and Bosnia-Herzegovina are also set for a winner-take-all match in Group H. A Marko Arnautovic double gave Austria a 2-0 win in Cyprus, while Bosnia came from behind to beat 10-man Romania 3-1 and stay two points behind ahead of the game in Vienna. Romania head to the play-offs due to their Nations League ranking. Hans Vanaken spared Belgium's blushes as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Kazakhstan."

Switzerland thrashed Sweden: Embolo opened; Nygren equalised; Xhaka converted a penalty; Ndoye and Manzambi added goals to secure the win. Switzerland sit three points clear of Kosovo in Group I with a superior goal difference. Kosovo's 2-0 win in Slovenia secured their play-off place. Sweden have one point from five qualifiers and will enter the play-offs via their Nations League ranking. Spain sealed Group E with a 4-0 win over Georgia. Denmark drew 2-2 with Belarus and now need a point at Scotland to qualify. Austria beat Cyprus 2-0; Bosnia beat Romania 3-1 and will play Austria in a decider. Romania head to the play-offs via Nations League. Belgium were held 1-1 by Kazakhstan.

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