While Isac Lidberg and Sweden suffered a clear defeat in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Jean-Paul Boëtius and Suriname can achieve something historic and secure a World Cup ticket on their own merit. This article provides all the information on the two SV 98 national team players.
Jean-Paul Boëtius and Suriname took a significant step towards the 2026 World Cup finals with their 4-0 victory over El Salvador last Thursday (November 13th). The SV 98 number ten played the full 90 minutes. Next Wednesday (November 19th, 2am German time), Suriname has the opportunity to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup against Guatemala at the Estadio Manuel Felipe Carrera, thus qualifying for the tournament for the first time in their history. Thanks to this recent success, their fate remains firmly in their own hands.
Here’s the current standings in the group: Panama also fulfilled their duty in the other match and remain level on points with group leaders Suriname. However, Boëtius and his teammates have a decisive advantage: their impressive scoring record has given them a goal difference of +5, while Panama’s is +2. Thus, both teams are locked in a battle for direct World Cup qualification. Suriname travels to Guatemala, while Panama hosts El Salvador. The group winner qualifies directly for next summer’s World Cup in the USA, while the runner-up has the opportunity to secure a World Cup berth via the playoffs next March.
If both teams finish with the same number of points and the same goal difference, the number of goals scored will be the deciding factor. Should that also be equal, the head-to-head result will determine the winner. In their previous encounters, the two teams drew – a goalless draw in Suriname and a 1-1 draw in Panama. This away goal gives Suriname the advantage in this category.
Overall, much is still possible in this group, but Suriname has secured a significantly better starting position.
Sweden has suffered only defeats in this World Cup qualifier, apart from a draw against Slovenia. They also had to return home empty-handed from their match against Switzerland last Saturday. Isac Lidberg was substituted on in the 78th minute of the game against the group leaders. The „Tre Kronor“ (Three Crowns) are in last place in their group with just one point and even a win in their home game against Slovenia on Tuesday (November 18th, 8:45pm) would eliminate any chance of finishing near the top of their qualifying group.
And yet, the World Cup train hasn’t left the station for Sweden. This is due to a curious situation: The Swedish national team won their Nations League group and were among the four best group winners of the round. Thanks to this result, Sweden has secured a direct ticket to the playoffs next March, where they still have a chance of participating in the World Cup finals in the summer of 2026 – regardless of their performance in the World Cup qualifying group stage.
Darmstadt 98 lost to Hannover 96 while playing with ten men and must continue to wait for their first win of this second division season. Read our analysis to find out what positives remain and why Darmstadt 98 had factored in setbacks on their chosen path.
Around the time of the home game against Hannover 96 on Sunday (August 30th), the Jonathan Heimes Square was officially inaugurated. Before kickoff, club president Markus Pfitzner and Martin Heimes, father of Jonathan Heimes, who died of cancer about ten years ago, gave speeches highlighting "Johnny's" importance and his commitment to people with cancer.
The Lilien Team Marathon is not just about athletic performance and the shared experience around the Böllenfalltor stadium – but also about making a difference together.
The SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team drew 2-2 (0-1) against SV Unter-Flockenbach. After a heated home game, the young Lilies had to settle for a frustrating, but ultimately deserved, draw. In this extremely balanced league, Patrick Kurt's team continues to grow week by week, gaining valuable experience.
An emotional match with many controversial moments unfolded on Sunday afternoon at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Ultimately, Darmstadt suffered their first home defeat of the young season. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you.
Tried everything, but to no avail: SV 98 came up short in their home game against Hannover 96. The final score was 1-0 (0-0) to the visitors, whilst the Lilies had to play with ten men after Vukotic was sent off in the 20th minute.
Home game against Hannover! On matchday 3, Darmstadt 98 will host the ambitious Lower Saxons at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Florian Kohfeldt has made three changes to his starting lineup compared to the victory in Jena. Hiroki Akiyama replaces the suspended Kai Klefisch, while Nicolas Verkooijen (making his first start) and Yosuke Furukawa start in place of Carlo Sickinger and Manolo Merx.
Weekend, Lilies fever! On Sunday (August 30th/1:30pm), the Lilies have their third matchday on the schedule. Hannover 96, the club from the Lower Saxon capital, will be visiting the Bölle. What do the two head coaches have to say before kickoff? Who will be refereeing the match? And where can you watch the game? As usual, we've compiled all the important information about the match against Hannover in our "Matchday Guide"
One day before their home game against Hannover 96, Darmstadt 98 have announced another new signing. William Mikelbrencis will now wear the SV 98 jersey. The 22-year-old Frenchman was under contract with Hamburger SV until June 30th.
In the press conference before the second home game of the still young season, our head coach spoke about, among other things, our team's attacking play and the past week. As usual, you can find the most important statements before the match against Hannover 96 (August 30th/1:30pm) here for you.
A second-division team on the Berlin Mount Olympus: Hannover 96 achieved something unique in 1992. On May 23, the Lower Saxony club defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach in the DFB Cup final, securing another major title in the club's history 38 years after their German championship win in 1954. Hannover became the first and, to this day, only "true" second-division team to win the DFB Cup, causing one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history.
