Switzerland secured their place at the 2026 World Cup after a 1-1 draw with Kosovo in Pristina, completing an unbeaten qualifying campaign in a match that tested their composure and defensive resilience.
The Swiss needed only a point to book automatic qualification and approached the occasion with patience rather than urgency, controlling possession in a first half that produced few chances.
Advertisement
Michel Aebischer forced the first significant save of the evening when his shot from distance drew a smart stop from Arijanet Muric, but Switzerland struggled to find convincing rhythm in the final third.
Kosovo rarely advanced with intent before the interval, although they nearly punished a lapse in concentration when Fisnik Asllani struck powerfully from the edge of the area, only for a defender to intervene with a crucial block.
The moment jolted Switzerland but did not change the pattern of a half defined by caution and careful positioning on both sides.
The breakthrough arrived less than two minutes after the restart. Djibril Sow threaded a precise pass between the lines and Ruben Vargas timed his run perfectly to slip behind the Kosovo backline.
Advertisement
The winger kept his composure to guide a low finish past Muric and give Switzerland the control they had struggled to establish earlier in the match.
Switzerland almost doubled their lead when Johan Manzambi danced through two defenders before shooting toward the bottom corner, but Muric reacted quickly and smothered the effort.
The missed chance proved costly as Kosovo grew in confidence and began to apply steady pressure.
The equaliser came in the 74th minute through a moment of individual quality. A loose ball rolled invitingly to Florent Muslija on the edge of the area and he curled a superb strike into the top-right corner, leaving Gregor Kobel rooted.
Advertisement
The goal electrified the Pristina City Stadium, whose noise and energy pushed the hosts forward in search of an unlikely winner.
Kosovo created two late openings as Baton Zabergja forced Kobel into a firm save before Vedat Muriqi’s close-range attempt was smothered under pressure.
Switzerland held their shape in the closing moments and resisted the final surge as the hosts threw numbers forward.
The draw ensured Switzerland finished top of Group B with 14 points and confirmed their eighth consecutive appearance at a major international tournament.
Kosovo secured second place with 11 points and will enter the European play-offs in March as they continue their pursuit of a first World Cup finals berth.
