Swedish football fans are still reeling from a stunning defeat that has thrown their World Cup hopes into serious jeopardy.
Monday’s 1–0 loss to Kosovo didn’t just cost Sweden three crucial points — it also cost manager Jon Dahl Tomasson his job.
The former Blackburn Rovers boss, who once dazzled as a striker for AC Milan and Feyenoord, couldn’t find the same success on the touchline.
His run with the national team ended abruptly after just nine wins in 18 matches, with Sweden now bottom of their qualifying group and winless in four games.
Dressing Room Frustrations Boil Over
Tensions inside the Swedish camp reportedly reached breaking point following the shock defeat.
According to local outlet Radiosporten, Anthony Elanga — left out of both qualifiers — let his frustration show in the tunnel, allegedly shouting: “The damn system must go.”
The emotional outburst came as a reflection of wider unrest among players.
Some stars were said to be losing faith in Tomasson’s methods, especially after his surprise decision to reveal the starting lineup only an hour before kickoff.
The unusual move, meant to prevent leaks, instead sparked confusion within the squad.
Lucas Bergvall, one of Sweden’s rising talents at Tottenham Hotspur, admitted after the game: “It doesn’t affect me much, but I can’t speak for everyone else.”
Bergvall was subbed off at halftime, later revealing the switch was “purely tactical.”
The Final Straw for the Federation
By Tuesday morning, the Swedish Football Association had made its decision.
In a short but firm statement, they announced Tomasson’s dismissal, citing poor results and a need for change.
SvFF chairman Simon Åström explained, “The men’s national team has not delivered the results we hoped for.
There’s still a chance for a playoff in March, and we must create the best possible conditions to reach the World Cup.”
He added that new leadership was “required” to revive the team’s confidence and performance.
A Squad Too Talented to Struggle
For a team boasting Premier League regulars like Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres, Sweden’s poor campaign has left many scratching their heads.
Despite an attacking lineup worth nearly £200 million, the side has managed just two goals in four matches while conceding seven.
Kosovo, meanwhile, pulled off an impressive double over Sweden after Fisnik Asllani’s first-half goal sealed Monday’s victory.
The result has lifted the visitors to second in the group, while Sweden sits firmly at the bottom — a position that few would have predicted months ago.
Fallout and the Road Ahead
Behind the scenes, reports from SportBladet suggest that several senior players had begun questioning Tomasson’s tactics long before the defeat.
Some felt the manager’s system didn’t suit the team’s strengths, a view Elanga seemed to echo when he told reporters: “We’ve worked on a system, but things look different when you’re on the field. We players also have to take responsibility.”
With two matches left — against Switzerland and Slovenia — Sweden’s path to automatic qualification is now impossible.
However, thanks to their Nations League performance, they still have a lifeline through the playoffs — provided certain conditions are met.
A Thank You, and a Farewell
As the federation officially parted ways with Tomasson, Kim Källström, head of the Swedish FA, expressed gratitude for his professionalism despite the disappointing results.
“We believe in this group of players and want to give them the best chance to deliver,” Källström said.
“Jon has been professional throughout his time with us, but football is results-based — and right now, the results just aren’t enough.”
What Comes Next for Sweden?
With their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread, all eyes are now on who will step into the managerial hot seat.
The next coach will inherit a squad filled with talent but short on confidence — and just a few months to turn things around before the March playoffs.
For Tomasson, the end of this chapter is bittersweet.
His passion for the game remains unquestioned, but in the world of football, results speak louder than reputation — and Sweden’s dream of reaching the World Cup now depends on how quickly they can find a new rhythm.