Everything You Need To Know About Sweden Before The 2026 World Cup

The Complete Guide To Sweden Ahead Of The World Cup

The World Cup is fast around the corner, with a record 48 teams looking to make their mark in front of the watching world on football's biggest stage.

One of those team's is Scandinavian nation Sweden, who after a disastrous start to qualifying, the Swedes advanced to the knockout round play-offs, where they were eventually victorious, beating Ukraine and Poland to make the tournament.

So here is everything you need to know about Sweden's history, squad, manager and chances of going as far as possible in this summer's event.

Sweden's World Cup History

Sweden is the most populous Nordic nation, comprising of over 10 million inhabitants. The nation is famous for many things, although football may not be one of them.

However despite that, the country has a rich and strong history with the beautiful game and the World Cup. Out of the 22 World Cup finals that have taken place as of 2022, Sweden has been present at 12 of them. And have qualified out the group stage in nine editions of the event, only failing to make it out their group just three times.

They did not qualify for the most recent edition in Qatar, with their last appearance in a World Cup finals coming four years previously in Russia, where they managed to reach the Quarter-finals stage.

Sweden's best performance in the World Cup came in 1958, where they hosted, reaching the final of the competition where they faced Brazil. Sweden actually took the lead early on in the final, opening the scoring inside four minutes. But a Brazil side led by a teenage Pele proved too much for the Swedes, overcoming the hosts 5-2 to claim the trophy.

Who Are Sweden's Greatest Ever Players?

Sweden has produced some of the world's best talents, particular in modern times, and particular have a history of producing excellent forwards.

The countries greatest ever player is undoubtedly striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. An icon in the game for both his unquestionable ability and carisma, Ibrahimovic is one of the best strikers of the 21st century. Scoring over 500 goals in a glittering career, shining at some of Europe's biggest club's including Milan, Inter, Manchester United and PSG.

7. ibrahimovic vs England 30 yard bicycle kick ! pic.twitter.com/1Ov81ysVfe

— Amin (@TheAminFCB2) May 13, 2024

Standing not too far along from Ibrahimovic though is Henrik Larsson. Nicknamed 'The King of Kings' by Celtic fans, Larsson became a God at Celtic Park after scoring 242 goals in 313 games for the Glasgow club, leading the side to a golden era of success.

Freddie Ljungberg is another of Sweden's greatest footballing products. The winger became a legend at Arsenal as a key player for the Gunners during the 2001/2002 double winning season and was a major part of the 2003/2004 Invincible side. Sparking up strong partnerships with the likes of Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry in one of English football's greatest team's.

Who Are The Current Team's Stars?

Keeping in line with their footballing heritage, the star players of Sweden's current national side is in atack, and particularly upfront.

Alexander Isak has to be considered the main star. After lighting up the Premier League at Newcastle United, scoring 62 total goals for the club in 109 appearances, Liverpool paid an English record £125 million for the striker. Despite injures disrupting his first season on Merseyside, Isak is set to star for Sweden in North America, and scored a brilliant goal for his national side in a recent warm-up friendly ahead of the tournament.

Alexander Isak, that is outrageous!! 👏👏

pic.twitter.com/6bTbiSnN7P

— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) June 2, 2026

Alongside the Liverpool forward will be Arsenal's Viktor Gyökeres. After an incredible return in two title winning seasons with Sporting CP in Portugal, Gyökeres made the move to Arsenal. And despite struggling at times, the 28 year-old did the job he was bought for, scoring 14 Premier League goals and leading the Gunners to the Premier League title.

The striker was in impressive form in the knockout play-offs, scoring four goals over the two games, scoring a hat-trick in the semi-final over Ukraine before a late winner against Poland in the final sent his nation to the World Cup.

Today, Viktor Gyökeres turns 28. 🇸🇪🥶 pic.twitter.com/ROw283ilfU

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) June 4, 2026

Behind that front two is Lucas Bergvall, Tottenham's talented young midfielder, with experienced defender Victor Lindelof, who has emerged as a key player for Aston Villa this season during an impressive campagin for Unai Emery's team.

Anthony Elanga is another player in the Sweden squad plying his trade in England's top flight. An impressive spell at Nottingham Forest after moving from Manchester United earned the winger a move to Newcastle for over £50 million. However, so far it hasn't worked out for Elanga on Tyneside.

Despite that poor form, Elanga will bring electric pace to the Swedish side, and will have the opportunity to put the season behind him and shine for his national team.

Who Is The Manager?

Sweden's poor beginning to their qualifying campagin saw a chance in the dugout required, and in came Graham Potter.

The former Brighton, Chelsea and West Ham boss returned to the country where his coaching career began. Potter had spent seven years as manager of Östersunds FK, and completely revolutionized the club.

When he arrived in 2011, the club were in the third tier, however six years later they were not only in the top division, but winners of the Swedish cup and in the UEFA Europa League.

An impressive time in charge of Brighton & Hove Albion followed, earning Potter a move to Chelsea. Although, his time at Stamford Bridge was poor and short. Which was mirrored by his time at West Ham.

🥹✨ Graham Potter after sending Sweden to the World Cup. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/aZC1WVUpOC

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) March 31, 2026

Looking to rebuild his previously strong reputation, Potter returned to the nation where it all began, taking the role as the national team boss with the goal of recovering the side's chances of making it to North America for the World Cup. And he did just that, taking Sweden to the tournamnet with huge wins over Ukraine and Poland.

Now, Potter will have the chance of managing on the biggest stage, looking to mirror the miracle he made with Östersunds FK.

Who Is In Sweden's Group?

After making it to the World Cup after defeating Poland in the Nations League Knockout Play-offs, Sweden have been placed in Group F. Joining The Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.

The Netherlands of course represent the strongest threat and are favourites to top the group, but Japan and Tunisia represent relatively favourable opponents for Sweden. And with the firepower of Isak and Gyökeres mixed in with top flight experience across the squad, will fancy themselves to qualify out of the group stage for a tenth time.

The last time Sweden were knocked out at the group stage was in 1990, with the Swedes making it out their group in each time of the three tournaments they have qualified for since.

Their first game will see them face Tunisia in Mexico at 3am UK time on June 15th. Before they travel to Houston, USA to face Netherlands at the NRG Stadium five days later at 6pm BST.

The final group game for Sweden comes on 26th June at midnight, where they face off against Japan in Arlington. Where Graham Potter and his team will be hoping to make it out the group and continue their 2026 World Cup journey.