What Can France Expect from Sweden in the 2026 World Cup?
The journey for Sweden to qualify for the 2026 World Cup has been anything but smooth. Under coach Jon Dahl Tomasson, they managed only one point from their first four matches. After a disappointing 1-0 loss to Kosovo in October 2025, Tomasson was dismissed from his role.
A New Direction with Graham Potter
Graham Potter stepped in to lead the team after his success coaching Östersund between 2011 and 2017, where he took them from the fourth division to Sweden’s top league, won the national cup, and even secured a famous Europa League victory over Arsenal.
Potter shifted Sweden’s style back towards what many associate with their national team: a solid defense paired with quick counterattacks. Although Potter initially preferred a four-defender setup, he opted for a 5-3-2 formation during the playoffs to keep things tight at the back.
Path Through the Nations League
The Nations League gave Sweden a second chance to qualify, and they made the most of it. In the semi-final against Ukraine, played in Spain, Viktor Gyökeres stole the show by scoring a hat-trick in a 3-1 win. The final against Poland was tense and closely fought. Sweden seemed under pressure for much of the game, but Gyökeres once again came through, netting the winning goal in the 88th minute to seal a 3-2 thriller.
“It’s hard to explain, hard to describe,” said Potter after the match. “Just an incredible evening, just so proud to be part of that and obviously proud to experience it. It was just the best night I’ve had in football. Incredible, like I was having some sort of out-of-body experience. I’m looking at the goal and suddenly all our bench is running and you’re thinking, am I here? I’m just grateful to be part of that.”
Group Stage Prospects and Key Absences
Despite earning only two points from six group games, Sweden clinched their place in the World Cup. They now face Tunisia, the Netherlands, and Japan in the group stage, carrying a realistic hope of progressing further—something many attribute to Potter’s influence.
Injuries have hit the squad hard. Captain Dejan Kulusevski will miss the tournament, a significant blow given his leadership and impact. Questions also linger about the fitness and form of striker Alexander Isak.
The Swedish Fan Atmosphere
Swedish fans are known for traveling in large numbers to tournaments and creating a lively atmosphere. The supporters, known as Blågult (blue and yellow), often engage warmly with opposing fans, mixing friendliness with playful banter.
Their anthem, "Kanna på," celebrates beer pitchers flowing freely and includes the line: "We are coming with 100,000 men." While there won’t be a Viking invasion on American soil, expect a robust and colorful Swedish presence in North America.
