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

The journey for Sweden to reach the 2026 World Cup was anything but smooth. Under coach Jon Dahl Tomasson, they managed just one point in their first four matches. The situation worsened until October 2025, when Tomasson was dismissed after a narrow 1-0 loss to Kosovo.

A New Direction Under Graham Potter

Graham Potter took over, bringing his coaching experience from Swedish club Östersund, where he famously elevated them from the fourth division to the top league, winning the Cup and even defeating Arsenal in the Europa League.

Potter reintroduced traditional Swedish football traits: a tough defense and quick counterattacks. Despite preferring a back four formation, he switched to a 5-3-2 during the playoffs, emphasizing defensive solidity and quiet control at the back.

Playoff Drama and Qualification

Thanks to the Nations League, Sweden earned another shot at qualification. In the semi-final in Spain, they delivered a strong performance against Ukraine, winning 3-1 thanks to a hat-trick from Viktor Gyökeres. The final against Poland was tense, with the visitors dominating much of the match. Gyökeres again became the hero, scoring a last-minute winner in a thrilling 3-2 victory.

"It’s hard to explain, hard to describe," Potter said after the match. "Just an incredible evening, so proud to be part of that. It was the best night I’ve had in football, like an out-of-body experience. I’m just grateful to be part of that."

Despite only gathering two points from six group games, Sweden secured their World Cup spot. Their group stage opponents will be Tunisia, Netherlands, and Japan. There’s cautious optimism that Potter’s influence might help them advance.

Key Player Concerns

Sweden will miss their captain Dejan Kulusevski, whose impact on the team is significant. His absence in North America will be felt deeply. Questions also remain about Alexander Isak’s current form and fitness heading into the tournament.

The Fans: A Colorful Presence

Swedish fans, known as Blågult (blue and yellow), are famous for traveling in large numbers and creating a lively atmosphere. They are friendly and enjoy banter with opposing supporters. Their favorite chant, "Kanna på," celebrates endless beer pitchers and boasts, "We are coming with 100,000 men." While there won’t be a Viking invasion, a vibrant yellow-and-blue crowd is expected to make a strong impression at the World Cup.