Sweden's World Cup Qualification Challenges and New Leadership
Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, Anthony Elanga, Dejan Kulusevski.
With such a wealth of attacking talent, Sweden's qualification for the 2026 World Cup seemed certain.
However, the reality is starkly different.
Currently, Sweden sits at the bottom of their qualifying group, trailing Slovenia, Kosovo, and Switzerland, having failed to secure a win in any of their four matches.
Automatic qualification is no longer an option.
Fortunately, there remains a potential path to the World Cup through the play-offs, contingent on their performance in the UEFA Nations League.
At the helm of this effort is newly appointed manager Graham Potter, who has a deep understanding of Swedish football culture, having been described as "half Swedish" due to his extensive experience in the country.
What Went Wrong in Qualification?
In October, Sweden parted ways with Jon Dahl Tomasson after less than two years in charge. Despite having access to players like Isak and Gyokeres, who transferred for a combined £180 million during the summer, Sweden suffered three consecutive qualifying defeats under Tomasson—twice to Kosovo and once to Switzerland—failing to score in any of those matches.
Last month, Swedish football journalist Daniel Kristoffersson remarked to BBC Sport, "This is one of Sweden's best teams, but the results are among the worst we have seen."
Tomasson's tenure, Sweden's first foreign head coach, began positively, with the team achieving promotion to the Nations League's second tier, largely thanks to Gyokeres's ten goals and Isak's five in 2024. However, this year, the duo has combined for only one goal.
Former Sweden and Leicester defender Pontus Kamark stated, "These players are not lacking in talent, but collectively we are underperforming significantly. When this occurs consistently, it indicates a deeper issue beyond just the players. We saw individuals playing without cohesion, exposing defensive vulnerabilities, and even lower-ranked teams created numerous scoring opportunities."
Kamark added, "Tomasson may have been too stubborn, believing he could turn things around. When a situation deteriorates, a reset is necessary, which is why the Kosovo match marked the end of his tenure. A change was essential."
Potter's Return to Swedish Football
On the day of Tomasson's dismissal, Potter was at home in Sweden, expressing to media outlet Fotbollskanalen, "I love the country and I love Swedish football. I have much to be thankful for to Swedish football." Four days later, he was appointed as the new manager.
Potter's coaching career includes brief stints at West Ham and Chelsea, notable success with Brighton and Swansea, and a seven-year tenure managing Östersunds, where he led the team from the fourth tier to the top division and secured the Swedish Cup in 2017.
Kamark remarked, "Potter is almost one of our own. While he isn't Swedish, he spoke Swedish at his press conference, making him very likable. He will likely receive more time than most foreign managers. At this moment, we couldn't have found a better candidate. Despite challenges in his last two positions, he has grown as a manager and possesses strong ideas."
He continued, "To succeed, the team needs to be unified, and Potter excels in fostering that, particularly for a nation like Sweden. Managing at Chelsea is complex with many leaders, but in Sweden, we desire a single captain to follow."
Kamark praised Potter's adaptability, stating, "For Sweden to compete effectively in international tournaments, we cannot simply aim to dominate midfield; we must play collectively, which Potter understands. His past achievements, such as defeating Arsenal away with Östersunds in 2018, demonstrate his capability."
Pathway to the World Cup
Sweden's route to the World Cup play-offs could involve finishing second in their qualifying group, necessitating victories against Switzerland and Slovenia this month, while hoping Kosovo does not secure any additional points.
Alternatively, having gained promotion in the Nations League under Tomasson last season, Sweden is well-positioned to qualify for the World Cup play-offs as one of the four best-performing teams in the Nations League not already assured a play-off spot.
From there, they would be just three matches away from the World Cup.
Kamark expressed optimism, stating, "There is hope. Even the media discusses it; experts are talking about hope. We should have topped our group, but regardless, there is no significant difference between finishing second and taking the Nations League route, which could be our fortunate ticket. If Potter wins three games and leads us to the World Cup, he will be hailed as a hero. Even if he doesn't succeed, he will have time to build something. Who knows what could happen?"