Alexander Isak’s performance during Sweden’s latest World Cup qualifying match surprised fat.
Throughout the week, many of football’s biggest names have traded club duties for national pride as they represent their countries during the ongoing international break.
With nearly every European nation involved in UEFA’s qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, Premier League stars have been in constant action.
Among them is Liverpool’s marquee summer signing, Alexander Isak, who was called up to Sweden’s squad for their qualifying clashes against Switzerland and Kosovo.
However, with the striker still struggling to make a significant impact since joining Liverpool, many fans were eager to see how he would perform for his country — and the reaction was far from positive.
Isak led the line for Sweden in their World Cup qualifier against Switzerland, but the match ended in disappointment. Heading into the international break, Sweden already faced an uphill battle to secure a World Cup spot, having collected just one point from their first two Group B matches. Their hopes took another blow on Friday evening as they fell 2–0 to Switzerland at home, a result that left supporters frustrated — with some directing their anger at Isak.
The criticism largely stemmed from a major missed opportunity. After a clever build-up involving Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall, Isak met a cross just a few yards from goal but struck the post instead of the back of the net.
That moment summed up his night at the Friends Arena — one off-target shot, a missed big chance, only 12 completed passes from 16 attempts, and just one duel won out of seven.
Fans vented their frustration online, with one writing on X (formerly Twitter): “This guy has single-handedly ruined his country’s World Cup hopes through his selfish behaviour over the summer. Swedes should consider Alexander Isak a national disgrace.”
A Newcastle supporter added: “All jokes aside, Alexander Isak has genuinely let his country down tonight. Sweden’s qualification chances are slipping away with an unfit, out-of-form striker hurting the team because of his attitude.”
Over the summer, Isak reportedly went on strike to push through his move from Newcastle United to Liverpool, refusing to train or play in the club’s opening fixtures.
After completing his British-record £125 million transfer to Anfield, he has struggled to regain match fitness, making only four starts so far this season.
Fans and critics alike believe that this lack of sharpness may have carried over into his national team performances — and could be one of the reasons Sweden now face an uphill climb to reach next summer’s World Cup.
