The World Cup qualifiers are heating up as teams across Europe clash in crucial matches. Tonight, several key games will take place, including Sweden facing Switzerland and France taking on Azerbaijan. These two matches are pivotal for the teams involved, as they determine their chances of qualifying for the upcoming World Cup.
Key Matchups
Sweden vs. Switzerland
Sweden is looking to recover from a difficult start in their qualifying campaign. Currently, they sit behind Switzerland, who leads Group B with a comfortable margin. Alexander Isak is back in the lineup for Sweden after previous injury issues, positioning him to make an impact.
- Sweden’s Team: Johansson, Lagerbielke, Hien, Gudmundsson, Bernhardsson, Bergvall, Karlstrom, Ayari, Sema, Gyökeres, Isak.
- Switzerland’s Team: Kobel, Widmer, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez, Freuler, Xhaka, Rieder, Ndoye, Embolo, Vargas.
France vs. Azerbaijan
France, the 2022 World Cup finalists, will face Azerbaijan at Parc des Princes. Currently at the top of Group D, France aims to secure another three points to strengthen their position. Jean-Philippe Mateta is expected to make his senior debut, adding excitement to the matchup.
- France’s Team: Maignan, Gusto, Saliba, Upamecano, T Hernandez, K Thuram, Rabiot, Coman, Olise, Ekitiké, Mbappé.
- Azerbaijan’s Team: Mahammadaliyev, Aliyev, Badalov, Mustafazade, Krivotsyuk, Cafarquliyev, T Bayramov, Xaybulayev, Mahmudov, Akhmedzade, Emreli.
Other Notable Matches
Two other significant qualifiers tonight include Belgium versus North Macedonia and Northern Ireland against Slovakia. Both of these fixtures could influence the standings in their respective groups substantially as teams vie for a place in the World Cup.
- Belgium: Courtois, Castagne, Debast, Theate, De Cuyper, Vanaken, Raskin, De Bruyne, Saelemaekers, Trossard, Doku.
- North Macedonia: Dimitrievski, Stojchevski, Zajkov, Askovski, Alioski, Atanasov, Bardhi, Musliu, Elmas, Miovski, Kostadinov.
Current Group Standings
The standings leading into these matches are essential to follow, especially with teams like Iceland and Germany also in competitive positions. Each match holds significant weight in the quest for World Cup qualification.
Conclusion
As the evening progresses, eyes will be on Sweden vs. Switzerland and France vs. Azerbaijan, among other matches. The outcome will shape the path for these teams as they aim to secure a coveted spot in the World Cup.
