Slovenia vs Sweden ends in World Cup qualifier thriller

Slovenia opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a dramatic and hard-earned 2:2 draw at home against Sweden.

Slovenia welcomed a strong Scandinavian opponent to Ljubljana on 5 September as underdogs, ranked 21 places below their visitors in the FIFA world rankings, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

Sweden established dominance early as Anthony Elanga put the visitors ahead in the 18th minute before Sandi Lovrić equalised seconds after half-time with a long-range strike that slipped through keeper Robin Olsen's hands.

Yasin Ayari restored Sweden's lead in the 73rd, but Slovenia rallied late to avoid defeat as substitute Žan Vipotnik converted Benjamin Šeško's pass in the 90th minute to salvage a point.

Despite Sweden's overall control of the match, the Slovenian team were pleased with their performance.

"It was a tough, proper qualifying match," coach Matjaž Kek said. "Sweden were better in some aspects, but we had the more important chances... The boys' character and the crowd carried us forward, and this result must satisfy us."

Defender Žan Karničnik added: "This point feels like a win, especially after a poor first half. We regrouped, caused them problems and in the end deserved the equaliser."

In the next round on 8 September Slovenia play Switzerland on the road. The Swiss opened their campaign with a 4:0 win over Kosovo.

Only the group winner qualifies directly for the finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada, while the runner-up enters the playoffs.