Few nations endured a more turbulent qualification campaign than Sweden. Their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup appeared to be fading rapidly after a disastrous start under former manager Jon Dahl Tomasson.
The Scandinavian side managed only a single point from their opening four matches, and matters reached breaking point in October 2025 when a narrow defeat to Kosovo led to the dismissal of the Danish coach.
The Swedish Football Association turned to Graham Potter, a manager already familiar with the country after building his reputation at Östersund. During his spell there, he guided the club from Sweden’s fourth division to the top flight, lifted domestic silverware, and famously oversaw a memorable European victory against Arsenal.
His arrival immediately changed the atmosphere around the national team.
Potter Restores Structure and Confidence
After taking charge, Potter moved away from experimentation and returned Sweden to a style more closely associated with the nation’s football identity.
Defensive discipline became the foundation of the team, while quick transitions and counterattacks provided the attacking threat. Although Potter initially spoke about favoring a four-man defence, he opted for a 5-3-2 system during the playoffs, prioritizing stability and organization.
That tactical adjustment proved decisive.
Sweden’s path back into contention came through the Nations League route, offering a second chance after their disappointing qualifying campaign.
In the playoff semifinal against Ukraine, played in Spain, Viktor Gyökeres delivered a stunning performance. The striker scored all three goals in a 3-1 victory to send Sweden into the decisive match.
The final against Poland proved considerably more dramatic. Sweden spent long periods under pressure, yet once again Gyökeres emerged as the difference-maker. His late strike in the 88th minute sealed a thrilling 3-2 win and secured Sweden’s place at the World Cup.
Potter later described the qualification triumph as the most memorable experience of his coaching career, admitting the emotions surrounding the winning goal were almost surreal.
A Difficult Group Awaits
Despite collecting only two points from six matches during the original qualification process, Sweden somehow found a route to North America.
Now they face a challenging Group F featuring Tunisia, the Netherlands and Japan.
Reaching the knockout rounds will be far from straightforward, but optimism has grown significantly since Potter took charge. The belief surrounding the squad today is very different from the mood that existed only a few months ago.
However, Sweden have not arrived without concerns.
Captain Dejan Kulusevski is unavailable, a major setback given his importance both on and off the pitch. His absence leaves a significant leadership void.
Questions also remain regarding Alexander Isak. The Liverpool striker has struggled with consistency and fitness issues, although he did find the net after coming off the bench in Sweden’s 3-1 defeat to Norway on 1 June.
Potter’s Return to Swedish Football
Potter’s appointment came shortly after he openly expressed his admiration for Swedish football in an interview with Fotbollskanalen.
Rather than hiding his interest, he made it clear that leading the national team appealed greatly to him. Only days later, the opportunity became reality.
Although Sweden failed to win either of his first two matches in charge, federation officials quickly became convinced they had found the right man. Their confidence was reflected in March when Potter received a contract extension running through 2030.
Fluent in Swedish and eager for a fresh challenge after difficult periods in England with Chelsea and West Ham, the role appeared to be an ideal fit.
Gyökeres Leads the Team’s Attack
Alexander Isak may have become the most expensive signing in Premier League history following his £125 million move from Newcastle to Liverpool, but Sweden’s attacking focal point is currently Viktor Gyökeres.
The Arsenal forward initially experienced difficulties adapting at club level, yet his recent performances have transformed perceptions. He scored four times across Sweden’s two playoff victories and played the leading role in securing qualification.
His popularity has soared throughout the country, particularly after his dramatic winner against Poland. Supporters across Sweden have been recreating his trademark celebration, inspired by the character Bane from The Dark Knight Rises.
At present, no player carries greater momentum into the tournament.
Player to Watch
While many eyes will be on Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren, defender Gustaf Lagerbielke could become one of Sweden’s surprise stories at the tournament.
The Braga centre-back played a crucial role during the playoff final, scoring with a powerful header while also helping contain Poland’s Robert Lewandowski.
His background adds another layer of intrigue. Lagerbielke is a baron and reportedly stands 254th in the line of succession to the Swedish throne.
Interest from clubs in Europe’s major leagues is already growing, and an impressive World Cup campaign could further increase his market value ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Unsung Figure in Midfield
For Sweden to compete against technically gifted opponents such as the Netherlands and Japan, controlling the midfield battle will be essential.
That responsibility may fall largely on Jesper Karlström.
The Udinese captain has followed an unconventional path to the top level. After taking time to establish himself at Djurgården, he eventually earned a move to Lech Poznan before progressing to Serie A.
Karlström has spoken publicly about overcoming a gambling addiction during his younger years, crediting both his family and former club for helping him through that period.
On the pitch, he provides balance, composure and defensive solidity. His ability to break up play and dictate tempo could prove invaluable, particularly alongside younger midfielders such as Yasin Ayari and Lucas Bergvall.
Expected Starting Lineup
Sweden are expected to line up with a system similar to the one used during the playoffs, emphasizing defensive security and quick transitions.
Probable XI:
- Goalkeeper: Robin Olsen
- Defenders: Emil Krafth, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Victor Lindelöf, Isak Hien, Ludwig Augustinsson
- Midfielders: Jesper Karlström, Yasin Ayari, Lucas Bergvall
- Forwards: Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres
Swedish Fans Ready to Make Noise
Sweden’s supporters have built a reputation for traveling in impressive numbers whenever major tournaments take place.
The blue-and-yellow faithful are known for their lively atmosphere, friendly interactions with rival supporters and passion for following the national team across the globe.
One of their most recognizable chants is “Kanna på,” a song celebrating the steady arrival of beer pitchers and reflecting the supporters’ festive nature.
The lyrics famously reference arriving with “100,000 men.” While North America is unlikely to witness a modern Viking invasion, Sweden can still expect strong backing from a large contingent of travelling fans.
Sweden and the Trump Remark
Sweden’s relationship with the United States has occasionally entered public discussion for unusual reasons.
One of the most memorable examples came in 2017 when Donald Trump referenced events that had supposedly occurred in Sweden the previous night while discussing immigration and terrorism.
The comment generated widespread confusion because no major incident had actually taken place.
Trump later explained that he had been referring to a television segment aired by Fox News. Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet responded humorously by listing some of the actual events from that day, including technical issues during a rehearsal involving singer Owe Thörnqvist, a self-immolation incident in central Stockholm, and weather-related road closures in northern parts of the country.
While the episode became an international talking point, Sweden’s focus this summer is firmly on football as they prepare for another World Cup adventure under Graham Potter.
