Romania - Sweden

Can Romania find a defensive solution at Arena Nationala on 5 October 2026 to halt their recent slide? After falling 2-1 in the first leg on 25 September 2026, the hosts must navigate this second leg without the suspended Radu Dragusin and Virgil Ghita. The expected XI, featuring Daniel Birligea and Ianis Hagi, will need to provide more attacking cohesion to overcome the aggregate deficit. With Otto Hindrich in goal, the home side faces a significant challenge against a Swedish attack that has consistently found the net in recent outings.

Sweden arrive with momentum despite a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, bolstered by their earlier 3-1 victory over Poland. Even with key absences including Alexander Isak and Isak Hien, the visitors retain a potent threat through Viktor Gyoekeres. Sweden have held the upper hand in this series, having also secured a 2-1 win during their Euro qualification meeting in March 2019. Maintaining their current defensive structure will be vital for the visitors as they aim to protect their aggregate lead.