Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres’ embarrassment as nightmare World Cup scenario clear

Sweden are now expected to miss out on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, with Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres failing to shine despite their respective big-money transfers to Liverpool and Arsenal

Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres’ Sweden are almost certainly not heading to the World Cup next summer after losing a crucial qualifier at home to Kosovo. Having been beaten by Switzerland last week, three points were desperately needed if they were to have any chance of breaking into the top two.

Kosovo beat Sweden in last month’s two-week domestic pause and had the chance to move six points clear if they repeated that achievement which was exactly what they did.

This result has left Sweden on just one point with two wins required if they are to have any hope of reaching the tournament in the United States.

READ MORE: Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah statement made as Liverpool struggle to find balanceREAD MORE: Arsenal star reacts to what Viktor Gyokeres did in training: “He’s an animal”

Slovenia will also need to drop points in November but not to Kosovo and with it therefore highly unlikely that scenario plays out, Sweden are all but eliminated. A 32-minute strike from Fisnik Asllani decided this game with Kosovo surviving a barrage of late attempts and corners.

Over half of their 13 shots on Monday evening came from Isak and Gyokeres, with the Arsenal star seeing one close-range effort saved and another go narrowly wide.

Liverpool’s Isak had a staggering six attempts, all of which were in the box, with two of those on target.

His best chance came just under 15 minutes from the end when he powered an effort wide from roughly 10 yards out after a great ball across by Gustaf Lagerbielke.

Despite that, it was Gyokeres that took most of the criticism with Arsenal fans far from pleased by his display.

@Emzyl_ said on X: “Sweden should take off Gyokeres, revert to a back four and bring an attacking midfielder or wide forward. Gyokeres is awful and literally offers nothing whatsoever. It’s almost like playing with 10 men.”

@Kvvazii added: “Watching Gyokeres right now and he’s actually making me count the days of Havertz’s return ffs.”

As for Isak, after a very disrupted summer caused by his transfer saga, it’s understandable that some Liverpool fans are pleased that he may have an extended period off.

“I for one am happy Sweden won’t qualify for the World Cup. Full rest and pre-season for Isak next summer should make up for the disgusting way Newcastle treated him this summer,” @total_slotball said.

Not all of them share that view however, with @Opresii stating: “No World Cup for ISAK [crying animal gif].”

Isak and Gyokeres have both endured stuttering starts to the season at their respective new clubs. The latter will be looking to end an eight-game goal drought against Fulham this Saturday, while Isak will be aiming to guide Liverpool to a first win in three against Manchester United the following day.

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