Sweden qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America; Potter-led escape seals World Cup berth
Sweden at FIFA World Cup 2026: All players, full squad list, key stats and schedule
FIFA World Cup 2026: Sweden back after ‘great escape’ under Graham Potter - All players, full squad list, key stats and schedule
After missing the 2022 World Cup, Sweden return for the 2026 global showpiece in North America, this time under the guidance of a new manager, Graham Potter.
Swedenpulled off what was dubbed by some as a “great escape,” sealing their place at theFIFA World Cup 2026via the UEFA European play-offs following a frustrating qualifying campaign.
After missing the lastfootballWorld Cup in Qatar, the pressure was firmly on this team to spark a revival.
That dream almost slipped through their fingers untilGraham Pottersteadied the ship in the late stages, guiding them to qualification within just five months of his appointment.
Making their 13th World Cup appearance in this North American summer, Sweden will face three-time runners-upNetherlands, Asian giantsJapan, and African nationTunisiain Group F.
Here is what you need to know about Sweden.
FIFA World Cup: All teams, squads and players - complete list
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World Cup appearances (including 2026):13
Best World Cup result:Final (1958)
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Sweden’s full squad
Goalkeepers:Viktor Johansson (Stoke City), Kristoffer Nordfeldt (AIK Fotball AB), Jacob Widell Zetterström (Derby County)
Defenders:Hjalmar Ekdal (Burnley), Gabriel Gudmundsson (Leeds United), Isak Hien (Atalanta), Emil Holm (Juventus), Gustaf Lagerbielke (SC Braga), Victor Lindelöf (Aston Villa), Eric Smith (St Pauli), Carl Starfelt (Celta de Vigo), Elliot Stroud Mjallby), Daniel Svensson (Borussia Dortmund)
Midfielders:Jesper Kalström (Udinese), Yasin Ayari (Brighton), Mattias Svanberg (Wolfsburg), Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham), Besfort Zeneli (Saint-Gilloise)
Forwards:Taha Ali (Malmö), Alexander Bernhardsson (Holstein Kiel), Anthony Elanga (Newcastle), Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal), Alexander Isak (Liverpool), Gustaf Nilsson (Club Brugge), Benjamin Nygren (Celtic), Ken Sema (Pafos)
Who are Sweden’s stars to watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
StrikerViktor Gyökeres, whose goals in the UEFA play-off semifinals and final ushered Sweden to qualification, is tipped to steal the spotlight at the tournament.
Apart from him, Sweden have incredible talent in young attacking midfieldersAnthony ElangaandBenjamin Nygren, while experienced captainVictor Lindelöfis the mainstay of the defence.
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Sweden’s group stage schedule
All times in local time
14 June, 19:00 PDT -Swedenvs Tunisia - Guadalupe, Greater Monterrey (Mexico)
20 June, 10:00 PDT - Netherlands vsSweden -Houston, Texas (USA)
25 June, 16:00 PDT - Japan vsSweden- Arlington, Texas (USA)
11 June - 19 July
Football | FIFA World Cup 2026| United States of America, Mexico & Canada