The scene of the game
Even before the match, it was clear: it would take a miracle, or a victory by at least six goals for Kosovo, to prevent Switzerland from qualifying directly for the World Cup. The Swiss national team extinguished any remaining spark of Kosovar hope in Pristina immediately after the restart when Ruben Vargas scored to make it 1-0, assisted by Djibril Sow. Kosovo's equalizer to make it 1-1 was too little, too late. Switzerland has secured its place at the 2026 World Cup.
The key figure
From the very first minute, Granit Xhaka was mercilessly booed and whistled at by a large part of the Kosovar crowd in his parents' homeland. However, the national team captain didn't let this faze him and played a composed and confident game.
The better team
The pitch at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium was affected by the heavy rain that had been falling in Pristina all day. Consequently, it was difficult for both teams to create scoring opportunities on the uneven surface in the first half. After the break, the Swiss national team briefly flexed their muscles, but became too passive in the closing stages. Kosovo came closer to victory in the end.
The commotion in the stands
Aside from boos directed at the two Swiss national team players of Kosovar descent, Granit Xhaka and Andi Zeqiri, and fireworks in the stands before the match, the atmosphere remained relatively calm. Early on Tuesday, it leaked from the Kosovar side that national coach Franco Foda would not be fielding two regular starters with Swiss connections. The two Hoffenheim professionals, Albian Hajdari and Leon Avdullahu, were absent from the Kosovo squad. The reason for this was that the two former Swiss youth internationals would have been suspended for the first playoff match had they received a yellow card against the Swiss national team. Kosovo's opponent in the playoffs in March will be drawn on Thursday at FIFA headquarters in Zurich.
The gates
47' | 0:1 | The Swiss play brilliantly through the advanced defense and Sow is able to find the unmarked Vargas. He doesn't miss the chance when one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
74’ | 1:1 | After a mistake by Rieder, Muslija gets the ball. Aebischer slips at the worst possible moment, giving the midfielder a clear path to goal.
This is how it continues
Switzerland's World Cup qualifying campaign concludes with the match in Pristina. The group stage draw for next year's World Cup will take place on December 5th in Washington D.C.
