Sweden have qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2018 after their 3-2 win over Poland on Tuesday night. Sweden join Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.
Graham Potter’s side were without two key players in Alexander Isak and Dejan Kulusevski, but their absences did not prove to be a problem. An attack led by Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga has more than sufficed throughout the qualification stages.
It’s worth bearing in mind that the World Cup 2026 format includes 48 teams and 12 groups. Each group still consists of four teams, with the top two progressing immediately to the round of 32. Additionally, the eight best third-place teams will also advance to the knockout stage.
Despite qualifying for the competition late on, Potter’s side could actually be dark horses this summer. Myself, Lara Alsaid and Benji Gerina Sinik explore why Sweden are not the country to underestimate.
Embed from Getty ImagesHow they got here
Nothing about this qualifying journey made sense for Sweden and maybe that’s why it meant everything.
Six games without a win, doubt hanging heavy, yet in Valencia, Graham Potter’s side found life. Against Ukraine, Viktor Gyökeres carried Sweden on his shoulders as he netted a ruthless hat-trick in a 3–1 victory.
But in Solna, on Tuesday, history loomed and the story was about to look very different. With Robert Lewandowski dropping deep and Piotr Zieliński dictating tempo, Poland stretched Sweden, completing over 500 passes and forcing them into long spells without the ball. They exploited Sweden’s low block and pressed relentlessly.
The early Swedish goals felt distant. Sweden led early, but the game slipped into Polish rhythm. Missed chances, loose balls, the clock ticking and anxiety spread through the stands. Then, in the 88th minute, against the run of play, Gyökeres struck.
One chance, one finish and a nation exhaled.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Graham Potter effect
After getting hired as the new Swedish coach, Graham Potter had a tough pill to swallow. But something has certainly changed. After taking Ostersund to Europe in the late 2010s, the Englishman’s career has been filled with ups and downs.
Taking over Chelsea and getting sacked, to then taking over West Ham and also getting the boot. Looking at the Swedish squad now, they finally look like a real team. Sweden have always been known for giving it all, no matter how tough the game is, and the last two games really showed that the old Sweden might be back.
Graham Potter has a contract until 2030 so there’s clearly plenty of faith in him to succeed. Potter’s adjustments to help build a group during his short time has really made the difference.
Embed from Getty ImagesPlayers in the squad
Aside from the obvious in Viktor Gyokeres, who scored four goals in two matches, Sweden have plenty of talent in the squad.
Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga scored Swedens opener against Poland after coming into international duty off the back of a Champions League brace, albeit in a 7-2 loss to Barcelona.
Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari has gone under the radar in the premier league despite his consistent performances.
The Swede has been out of action in recent weeks for the Albion, but in his last four starts he’s managed two goals and two assists.
Jesper Karlstrom has hit good form in recent weeks for both club and country, after a somewhat shaky start to 2026.
In his last four games for Serie A outfit Udinese, Karlstrom has captained his side to two wins, one draw and one defeat.
Daniel Svensson has built on last year’s debut season at Borussia Dortmund. The full-back has four goals and two assists in all competitions, while also creating 30 chances. He is also very solid at the back, helping Dortmund to eight Bundesliga clean sheets this season.
Blagult will also enjoy the boost of having Alexander Isak return from injury, as he rejoins Liverpool training this week.
Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski is also nearing a return from a knee injury that’s kept him out for nine months.
Embed from Getty ImagesHow far can Sweden go?
I believe Sweden come into the tournament as dark horses. They’ve been drawn into a group where they will be confident of progressing. They have multiple top players with more returning from injury and a well-backed manager. After reaching the quarter-finals in 2018, they’ve shown they can compete on this stage.
Izzy’s prediction: Round of 16 exit
As a Swede, it’s impossible to ignore that familiar doubt after this emotional qualifying journey. Eight years away from the big stage begs the question: will it ignite ambition or reveal the wear of absence? Yet this Sweden side is beginning to echo the spirit of 2018, with Viktor Gyökeres carrying belief for the whole nation.
Lara’s prediction: Quarter-final exit
Japan and the Netherlands are the tough teams in this group. I see us coming second or going through as one of the better third-placed teams. If Isak, Gyökeres, Hien, Kulusevski, and the rest rise to the level they can, Sweden have a good chance of going far.
Benji’s prediction: Round of 16 exit
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Isabelle Martin, Lara Alsaid and Benji Gerina Sinik
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