Sweden in Turmoil as Alexander Isak’s Struggles Deepen and Fans Turn on Manager Jon Dahl Tomasson
Sweden’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup are hanging by a thread, and tensions have reached boiling point among fans, players, and management.
The pressure is mounting on manager Jon Dahl Tomasson after another disappointing result, while star striker Alexander Isak continues to struggle for form and confidence.
The frustration of the Swedish supporters was evident during Friday night’s 2-0 home defeat to Switzerland, a result that has left the national team with just one point from three qualifying games.
Anthony Elanga, one of Sweden’s bright young talents, was left on the bench as his side fell apart in front of a restless home crowd in Stockholm.
The defeat has put Sweden in real danger of missing out on a World Cup spot for the second consecutive time an alarming prospect given the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams.

It was another quiet night for Alexander Isak, whose form since joining Liverpool for a staggering £125 million has yet to meet expectations. Once seen as the future of Swedish football, Isak’s performances have lacked sharpness, pace, and confidence.
Against Switzerland, he looked a shadow of his former self, struggling to find rhythm and failing to make an impact in key moments.
He even struck the woodwork from close range when scoring seemed easier, and failed to register a single shot on target. His inconsistency is fast becoming a major issue for both club and country.
Following the defeat, the atmosphere inside the Strawberry Arena turned sour. Fans voiced their anger toward Tomasson, booing loudly and unveiling offensive banners that read “Resign JDT” and a slur referring to his Danish nationality.
The situation highlighted the growing unrest between the Swedish supporters and their manager, who has faced skepticism ever since his appointment due to the historical rivalry between Denmark and Sweden.
Tomasson, who previously enjoyed success as a player and coach, now finds himself under enormous pressure to steady the ship. Despite the toxic environment, he handled the abuse with grace, acknowledging that football is an emotional game and that negative reactions are inevitable when results turn bad.
“Football is about emotions,” Tomasson said after the match. “When results go against you, it’s either black or white. It’s part of the game, and something both I and the players need to deal with.”
Sweden right-back Emil Holm also spoke out, condemning the abusive banner displayed by fans. “It’s terrible, things like that shouldn’t be allowed to happen,” Holm said.

“We understand that people are disappointed, but to write something like that is just bad. We have full confidence in Jon, and there’s another match coming up on Monday.”
While Tomasson’s leadership is being tested, Isak’s situation is equally concerning. His controversial move to Liverpool forced by his decision to stop training with Newcastle United to push through the transfer appears to be haunting him.
The striker is still regaining full match fitness and sharpness, and his inability to perform at the expected level has left Sweden without their main attacking spark.
Isak, however, remains committed to helping his national team recover. After the Switzerland defeat, he publicly backed Tomasson, showing leadership and unity in a difficult time.
“We know we are not in a good position right now, but there are still opportunities ahead,” Isak said. “It’s important that we all stay united. We believe in the manager and will keep fighting together. No one benefits from being divided our best chance is to stay as one.”
Sweden’s fans are growing restless as qualification hopes fade, but there’s still time to turn things around if the players can rediscover their form.
The upcoming fixtures will be decisive not just for the team’s World Cup hopes, but also for the future of both Tomasson and Isak. If the defeats continue, the calls for change will only grow louder, and patience among the supporters will quickly run out.
For now, Sweden faces a defining moment. The nation that once boasted footballing legends like Zlatan Ibrahimović is in desperate need of new heroes to step up.
Whether Alexander Isak can rediscover his spark and Jon Dahl Tomasson can unite a divided dressing room may well decide Sweden’s footballing future.
What’s certain is that both men are under immense pressure and time is running out fast.