Sweden sack Jon Dahl Tomasson after World Cup qualifying defeats
Sweden has dismissed Jon Dahl Tomasson as head coach of its men’s national football team following a disastrous start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. This marks the first time Sweden has ever sacked its national team coach.
The decision came after Sweden lost at home by 1-0 to Kosovo, which was their third straight defeat in the qualifying group. Sweden now sit bottom of Group B, having earned just one point from four matches.
Tomasson had taken charge in February 2024, becoming the first foreign coach in Swedish history. His early successes included an unbeaten run in the Nations League and securing Sweden’s promotion to League B. However, the national team failed to produce results in the tougher waters of World Cup qualification.
The Swedish Football Association said the coach’s removal was due to “a lack of results in the World Cup qualifiers” and emphasized the need for new leadership to preserve any remaining chance of reaching the World Cup via the playoffs in March.
High‐profile players like Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres were unable to lift the team in key matches. Their inability to convert chances and Sweden’s lack of goals in recent games contributed to rising criticism from fans and media alike.
The search for a new coach has begun immediately. Names such as Graham Potter are being mentioned as potential successors.
