Sweden vs Slovenia Prediction & Betting Tips (18 November)

Sweden enters this crucial World Cup 2026 qualifier against Slovenia with a mix of optimism and urgency. The past two months have seen significant changes, most notably the appointment of Graham Potter as head coach in October. Potter, formerly of Chelsea and Brighton, was tasked with reviving Sweden’s qualification hopes after a poor start under Jon Dahl Tomasson. His first squad announcement in November included Alexander Isak, despite the striker’s ongoing groin injury concerns at Liverpool. Isak’s fitness has been a major talking point, with Potter reassuring fans that the forward is ready to contribute. Meanwhile, Viktor Gyökeres was left out due to injury, leaving Emil Forsberg and other experienced names to shoulder responsibility. Sweden’s campaign has been rocky, with only one point from four qualifiers before Potter’s arrival, making this clash with Slovenia a pivotal moment in their journey.

Recent matches highlight Sweden’s struggles in competitive fixtures. In October, they lost 0-1 at home to Kosovo and 0-2 against Switzerland, results that left them languishing near the bottom of their group. Earlier in September, they suffered a 0-2 defeat away to Kosovo and drew 2-2 against Slovenia in Ljubljana, showing both their vulnerability and resilience. Friendly matches earlier in the year were more encouraging, with victories over Hungary (2-0) and Algeria (4-3), but those results have not translated into success in qualifiers. The inconsistency has raised questions about their ability to perform under pressure, though Potter’s tactical adjustments are expected to bring more stability. Sweden’s defensive lapses have been costly, and their attack has lacked sharpness without a fully fit Isak or Gyökeres. This match against Slovenia is not just about points but about proving that Potter’s leadership can spark a turnaround.

Slovenia, on the other hand, has shown grit in recent months, even if results have been mixed. Their star forward Benjamin Šeško, now at Manchester United, suffered a knee injury in November, causing tension between the Slovenian federation and the club over communication. Despite this setback, Slovenia has remained competitive. In October, they drew 0-0 with Switzerland and 0-0 with Kosovo, demonstrating defensive solidity but a lack of cutting edge in attack. September brought a heavy 0-3 defeat to Switzerland, though they managed a spirited 2-2 draw against Sweden, which showcased their ability to rise to the occasion against stronger opponents. Earlier friendlies in June saw them beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-1 and Luxembourg 1-0, results that boosted confidence heading into qualifiers. Manager Matjaž Kek has emphasized discipline and organization, knowing that Slovenia’s path to the World Cup depends on grinding out results against teams like Sweden.

The upcoming Sweden vs Slovenia clash promises to be a tense and tactical battle, shaped by recent struggles and the urgency of qualification. Sweden will rely heavily on Alexander Isak’s return to fitness, while Slovenia must cope without their talisman Šeško. Both teams have shown defensive resilience but struggled to convert chances, suggesting a low-scoring affair. Sweden’s home advantage and Potter’s fresh approach could tilt the balance in their favor, especially if Forsberg and Isak find rhythm. Slovenia’s compact style will make them difficult to break down, but their lack of attacking options may prove decisive. Considering the form, injuries, and tactical setups, the most realistic prediction is a narrow Sweden victory. The expected correct score for this World Cup qualifier is 1-0, reflecting Sweden’s slight edge and Slovenia’s defensive determination.