What Can France Expect from Sweden at the 2026 World Cup?

Sweden struggled badly in their early World Cup qualifying matches, managing just one point from four games under coach Jon Dahl Tomasson. This poor run led to his dismissal in October 2025 after a 1-0 loss to Kosovo.

A New Direction Under Graham Potter

Graham Potter took over, bringing experience from his successful time coaching Östersund, where he transformed the team from the fourth division to Sweden’s top league and achieved notable victories like beating Arsenal in the Europa League.

Potter shifted the team's style back to classic Swedish traits: a tough defense paired with sharp counterattacks. Although he prefers a back four, Potter surprised many by setting up a 5-3-2 formation during the playoffs, prioritizing a solid defensive foundation.

The Playoff Journey

Sweden’s route to the World Cup was through the Nations League, where they faced Ukraine in the semi-final. Playing in Spain, they won 3-1 thanks to a hat-trick from Viktor Gyökeres. The final against Poland was intense and closely fought. Gyökeres again made the difference, scoring the winning goal in the 88th minute to seal a thrilling 3-2 victory.

"It’s hard to explain, hard to describe," Potter said after the win. "Just an incredible evening, so proud to be part of that. It felt like an out-of-body experience watching the goal and seeing everyone running. I’m grateful to be part of it."

Despite earning only two points in six group games, Sweden secured their spot in the World Cup. Their group includes Tunisia, the Netherlands, and Japan, making hopes for advancement realistic—perhaps a sign of Potter’s influence.

Injury Concerns and Key Players

Sweden faces some challenges, notably the absence of captain Dejan Kulusevski, whose impact on the team is significant. There are also doubts surrounding the form and fitness of striker Alexander Isak.

The Fans: A Loud and Proud Presence

Swedish fans, known as Blågult (blue and yellow), travel in impressive numbers and bring a lively atmosphere to tournaments. They’re friendly and enjoy engaging with supporters of other teams. Their anthem, "Kanna på," celebrates endless beer pitchers and boasts about bringing "100,000 men"—a playful nod to their strong support. While no Viking invasions are expected in North America, a large Swedish crowd will definitely be there.