Two nations who were promoted from their respective UEFA Nations League (UNL) groups in the previous cycle do battle on matchday one, as Sweden welcome Romania to Stockholm.
Match News and Current Form
Winning five of their six UNL Group C1 fixtures in 2025/26 (D1), Sweden hold fond memories of this competition, especially as it led to a World Cup qualifying play-off appearance which ultimately saw them reach the knockout stages in the summer. Their jaunt ultimately ended in defeat to France at the Round of 32 stage, and with Graham Potter’s side now winning just one of their last six games overall (D2, L3), confidence may be dented ahead of this opener. They should be buoyed by their excellent recent home form though, having lost just three of their last 14 games as hosts (W9, D2).
Romania also topped their UNL group during the last cycle but unlike their hosts, they fell at the first hurdle of the World Cup qualifying play-off round with a 1-0 defeat to Turkey in March. The Tricolours will therefore be glad to return to the UNL having been the only side in the entire competition to win all of their group stage matches (W6) in the 2024/25 edition. Only Sweden (19) could better Romania’s 18-goal haul in those games, and Gheorghe Hagi’s side will lean on that again as they look to end a six-game winless run on the road (D2, L4) which has seen them fail to keep a clean sheet.
Head-to-Head History
This is the first meeting between the nations since a 2-0 win for Sweden in November 2019. Sweden have won three of the four H2Hs they hosted (L1).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Sweden have won over 9.5 corners in four of their last six UNL home matches.
Sweden have registered 5+ shots on target in six of their last seven games.
Romania have scored 2+ goals in just one of their last six away fixtures.
Three of Romania’s last four away wins came by 3+ goal margins.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
As well as scoring four goals across his last four Premier League appearances for Liverpool, Alexander Isak has four goal contributions in his last four Sweden caps (G1, A3). Romania’s Dennis Man has five goal contributions in his last five UNL appearances (G2, A3), with both strikes serving as first-half match openers in 3-0 wins.
Anthony Elanga, Isak Hien and Jacob Widell Zetterström miss out on this Sweden squad through injury, while Denis Drăguș remains sidelined for Romania.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
With Romania in poor form on their travels, it’s difficult to ignore Sweden to win and score over 2.5 goals to add extra value.
Author: Nathan Evans