Gyokeres under pressure as Sweden falters in World Cup qualifying

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres faced sharp criticism after Sweden’s poor results during the October international break, as back-to-back defeats left his country bottom of World Cup qualifying Group B with one point. Sweden lost 2-0 to Switzerland in Gothenburg, then were beaten 1-0 by Kosovo, results that have put their qualification hopes under serious strain and intensified scrutiny of Gyokeres’s form for club and country.

Gyokeres started both matches alongside Alexander Isak but was unable to produce a decisive contribution. In the defeat to Switzerland he registered no shots on target and was credited with an expected goals total of 0.08 for the game, while observers noted limited impact in the Kosovo fixture. Swedish media delivered low ratings for his performances and supporters voiced frustration on social media. The national side’s position in Group B now reads Switzerland nine points, Kosovo four and Sweden one after three matches, leaving Sweden with a narrow path to the 2026 tournament.

The immediate sporting consequences are stark. Sweden can still qualify automatically by finishing in the top two of their group, but must overturn a points deficit with three...