Switzerland seal World Cup place despite Kosovo fightback

Switzerland qualified for next year's World Cup despite being held 1-1 by Kosovo on Tuesday, as Florent Muslija's superb strike cancelled out Ruben Vargas' early second-half goal for the visitors.

Switzerland finished top of Group B with 14 points, completing an unbeaten qualifying campaign. Kosovo secured second place with 11 points and a berth in March's European playoffs, as they chase a first-ever World Cup appearance.

After a flat first half with few openings, Vargas broke the deadlock 90 seconds after the restart, slipping in behind to meet a through ball from Djibril Sow and beating Kosovo goalkeeper Arijanet Muric with a low finish.

Kosovo equalised in the 74th minute through Muslija, who pounced on a loose ball just outside the area and unleashed a superb curling strike into the top-right corner, leaving Gregor Kobel with no chance.

Spurred on by a raucous Pristina City Stadium, the hosts pressed for a late winner, but efforts from Baton Zabergja and Vedat Muriqi were smothered by Kobel and a resolute Swiss backline.