FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview: Sweden
(image via Getty Images)
As the world now turns its attention to the biggest tournament in football, we’ll begin previewing all the teams that will be in Houston this summer. Next up is Sweden. Here’s a closer look at the roster, key storylines, and what to expect from the Swedes heading into the competition.
Team Information
- FIFA Ranking: 38
- Confederation: UEFA
- Manager: Graham Potter
- Captain: Victor Lindelöf
- Nickname: Blågult
- World Cup Appearance: 13th
- Best World Cup Finish: Runners-Up (1958)
- World Cup Group: F
How They Qualified
Sweden finished dead last in Group B of UEFA qualifying but advanced to the playoffs via theur Nations League campaign. After failing to win any of their six group matches, the Swedes beat Ukraine and Poland in the Path B playoff to book their place in the World Cup.
Qualification Record
- Wins: 2
- Draws: 2
- Losses: 4
- Goals Scored: 10
- Goals Conceded: 15
Notable Qualifying Result
After beating Ukraine, Sweden took on Poland with the winner going to the World Cup. Twice the Swedes went in front and twice they were pegged back. With the game 2-2 late on, their star-man Viktor Gyökeres scored in the 88th minute to give Sweden the 3-2 win and a berth in the World Cup.
Last Five Matches
- Switzerland 4-1 Sweden (World Cup Qualification)
- Sweden 1-1 Slovenia (World Cup Qualification)
- Ukraine 1-3 Sweden (World Cup Qualification)
- Sweden 3-2 Poland (World Cup Qualification)
- Norway 3-1 Sweden (Friendly)
World Cup Roster
Goalkeepers: Jacob Widell Zetterström (Derby County), Viktor Johansson (Stoke City), Kristoffer Nordfeldt (AIK)
Defenders: Gustaf Lagerbielke (Braga), Victor Lindelöf (Aston Villa), Isak Hien (Atalanta), Gabriel Gudmundsson (Leeds United), Emil Holm (Juventus), Daniel Svensson (Borussia Dortmund), Hjalmar Ekdal (Burnley), Carl Starfelt (Celta Vigo), Eric Smith (FC St. Pauli), Elliot Stroud (Mjällby AIF)
Midfielders: Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham Hotspur), Ken Sema (Pafos), Jesper Karlström (Udinese), Yasin Ayari (Brighton & Hove Albion), Mattias Svanberg (VfL Wolfsburg), Besfort Zeneli (Union Saint-Gilloise)
Forwards: Alexander Isak (Liverpool), Benjamin Nygren (Celtic), Anthony Elanga (Newcastle United), Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal), Alexander Bernhardsson (Holstein Kiel), Gustaf Nilsson (Club Brugge), Taha Ali (Malmö FF)
Key Players
Viktor Gyökeres — Forward, Arsenal
The striker is coming off his first season in North London where we won the Premier League and made the Champions League final. Gyökeres scored a hat trick in the play off semifinal and then the winner in the final to get Sweden to this tournament.
Alexander Isak — Forward, Liverpool
Isak made a huge money move to Liverpool last summer but things didn’t go as planned for him as he battled injury and poor form. This tournament provides a big chance for Isak to quiet some of his doubters and show why he was so coveted by Liverpool.
Victor Lindelöf— Defender, Aston Villa
Another Premier League player, Sweden’s captain is coming off a Europa League win with Aston Villa this season. Lindelöf spent eight seasons at Manchester United before his move to Villa, so he is no stranger to the spotlight. The 31-year-old will anchor this defense with a wealth of grit and experience.
Young Player to Watch
Yasin Ayari — Midfielder, Brighton & Hove Albion
The 22-year-old midfielder broke into the squad this season for Brighton as they finished 8th in the Premier League. Ayari made 29 appearances, totaling nearly 2,000 minutes. His technical ability makes him a key piece to the Sweden midfield. He could even partner along fellow youngster, 20-year-old Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, Lucas Bergvall.
Predicted Starting XI
Biggest Storyline
Sweden missed the World Cup in 2022 and nearly were denied a trip this summer after a disastrous qualifying. They were given a lifeline by their Nations League performance and made the most of it, winning their playoff path. Former Brighton, Chelsea, and West Ham boss Graham Potter also has his own second-chance as manager of this team. Can Sweden take advantage of their unlikely run to this tournament and use their Premier League firepower to propel them on a run?
One Reason They Can Make a Deep Run
Gyökeres, Isak, and Anthony Elanga will be a very strong attack. If they can get going from the first match and be a force, this Sweden team could ride that offense through the group stage into the knockout rounds. Group F will be a very tough group but Sweden could surprise some people with their Premier League trio up front.
One Reason They Could Struggle
Outside of that attacking trio, there are lots of question marks around this team. 17 players on their 26 player squad have 20 caps or less. The combination of inexperience and a tough draw in their three group stage matches could spell trouble for Sweden.
Best-Case Scenario
Round of 16
Likely Finish
Round of 32 as a Third Place Group Finisher
Floor
Group Stage
Quick Facts
Most Caps in Squad: Victor Lindelöf - 76
Top Scorer in Squad: Viktor Gyökeres - 19
Average Squad Age: 27.0 years old
Previous World Cup Finish: Eliminated in Quarterfinals in 2018
Final Thoughts
Sweden arrives at the World Cup as one of the tournament’s biggest wild cards. A difficult qualifying campaign suggests they may struggle against the world’s elite, but their route through the playoffs showed resilience and an ability to deliver in high-pressure moments. With proven Premier League talent leading the attack and Graham Potter looking to make his mark on the international stage, Sweden has enough quality to trouble any opponent on its day. Whether that is enough to escape a challenging Group F remains to be seen, but the Blågult should not be underestimated.
