Sweden sealed a 3-0 home win over Kosovo in World Cup qualifying on Saturday which put pressure on Group B leaders Spain.
The group winners in Europe head automatically to Qatar next November while the runners-up face a play-off.
With Spain busy in the Nations League, Sweden took the chance to move onto 12 points, one behind Luis Enrique's side. They can take the lead in the group at home to Greece on Tuesday - having then played six games like the Spanish. The group stage concludes in November.
RB Leipzig midfielder Emil Forsberg netted from the spot on 29 minutes after Florent Hadergjonaj was adjudged to have handled the ball with the help of the video assistant.
Sweden also hit the post through Ludwig Augustinsson before Alexander Isak made the game safe with a special strike just after the hour mark.
Robin Quaison later added the gloss with the third goal.
Kosovo sit on four points.
Greece are on nine after a late 2-0 away win against bottom side Georgia.
