Sweden team profile - FIFA World Cup 2026
In the build-up to FIFA World Cup 2026 in USA, Canada and Mexico, we shine a spotlight on Sweden.
FIFA World Ranking: 38
Confederation: UEFA
Who is Sweden’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Sweden’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Graham Potter. This is his first time coaching an international side, the former Chelsea boss having taken over in October 2025.
Who is Sweden’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Sweden’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Victor Lindelof, who has held the role since August 2021, succeeding Andreas Granqvist.
How many times have Sweden participated in a FIFA World Cup before 2026?
12 – 1934, 1938, 1950, 1958, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1990, 1994, 2002, 2006, 2018
What is Sweden’s best performance at a FIFA World Cup?
Runners-up – 1958
How did Sweden qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Sweden qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026 through the UEFA play-offs after the group stage of UEFA qualification saw them finish in fourth-place but qualify for the play-offs through their performance in the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League. Teams were drawn into 12 groups with the winners all automatically qualifying for FIFA World Cup 2026, whilst the runners-up and best four UEFA Nations League group winners competed in the play-offs.
After six games, Sweden finished fourth-place in Group B on just two points with no wins, two draws and four defeats, 12 points below group winners Switzerland and nine behind runners-up Kosovo. But the UEFA Nations League provided the Swedes with a play-off place regardless.
Confirmation of Sweden’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification came on March 31, 2026 after a 3-2 victory over Poland in their play-off final. Prior to that game, Sweden had beaten Ukraine in their semi-final, winning by three goals to one.
Who are Sweden’s star players?
Sweden are notorious for having two of the best strikers in Europe, capable of causing every backline at FIFA World Cup 2026 nightmares. Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal) has scored over 110 goals across each of the last three seasons at club level including 97 goals in 102 games whilst at Sporting CP. For Sweden, Gyokeres boasts over 15 goals including the all-important winner in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification play-off final against Poland.
Not only do opponents have to face Gyokeres, they also have Alexander Isak (Liverpool) and his blistering pace to contend with. Isak has also passed the 15-goal-mark for his country and following consecutive 25-goal seasons for Newcastle Utd, Isak broke a British transfer record on deadline day 2025, joining Liverpool for a reported fee of £125m.
Who is in Sweden’s group at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Sweden are in Group F, which consists of the following teams:
Sweden
Japan
Sweden
Tunisia
Sweden’s Group F fixtures are as follows:
Sweden vs Tunisia: Sunday June 14, 2026 – 10:00pm ET, 3:00am UK (Monday)
Netherlands vs Sweden: Saturday June 20, 2026 – 1:00pm ET, 6:00pm UK
Japan vs Sweden: Thursday June 25, 2026 – 7:00pm ET, 12:00am UK (Friday)
All kick-off dates are based on a local kick-off time
Where is Sweden’s base camp at FIFA World Cup 2026?
FC Dallas Stadium – Dallas, Texas
Expert prediction for Sweden’s chances at FIFA World Cup 2026
The big question for Sweden will be whether the defence can stand out to strong opposition and keep things tight at the back whilst Gyokeres and Isak get to work in attack. Graham Potter’s men can’t afford to start slowly when considering Tunisia are up first, which feels like a must-win game first up with Netherlands and Japan following that.
Their attacking firepower should ensure Sweden score enough goals to reach the knockout stage at the very least. A runners-up finish is a realistic ambition in Group F as their resurgence under Potter continues, particularly when you compare Sweden’s red-hot offence compared to Netherlands. But that could lead to a knockout stage encounter against Brazil, where Sweden’s backline would be exposed against the likes of Vinicius Junior and likely end up being their undoing.
What round will Sweden reach at FIFA World Cup 2026? Round of 32
