Sweden’s World Cup 2026 qualification hopes are hanging by a thread after a shocking run of results that left them bottom of their group. Despite attacking stars like Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, Anthony Elanga and Dejan Kulusevski, Sweden have failed to win any of their four qualifying games.
They sit below Slovenia, Kosovo and Switzerland. Automatic qualification is already impossible. But Sweden still have a final lifeline through the Nations League play-off route, which could rescue their World Cup journey.
Why Sweden’s Qualification Campaign Collapsed
The Swedish FA sacked Jon Dahl Tomasson in October after three straight defeats. Sweden failed to score against Kosovo twice and Switzerland once. The attack struggled despite a combined £180m forward line.
Swedish journalist Daniel Kristoffersson summed up the frustration, saying: “This is one of Sweden’s best teams, but the results are some of the worst.”
Former defender Pontus Kamark also pointed to deeper issues within the system: “Everyone played by themselves and there were wide areas in the midfield which exposed the weaknesses in defence.”
The loss to Kosovo ended confidence in Tomasson’s methods. The Swedish FA felt they needed a reset before the campaign collapsed fully.
Potter Returns to a Country He Knows Well
Four days after Tomasson’s exit, Sweden named Graham Potter as their new head coach. Potter’s deep connection to Swedish football made him an ideal choice. His seven-year spell at Ostersunds transformed the club and earned him national respect.
Kamark praised the appointment, saying: “He is almost one of our own.”
Potter’s calm leadership, tactical adaptability and strong communication make him a natural fit for Sweden’s culture. His philosophy focuses on team structure, organisation and midfield balance—precisely the areas where Sweden struggled.
Sweden’s Remaining Path to the 2026 World Cup
Sweden can still reach the World Cup. They must beat Slovenia and Switzerland and hope Kosovo drop points. But their most realistic chance is through the Nations League play-off, a route secured during Tomasson’s earlier success.
Kamark described it as Sweden’s unexpected advantage: “This Nations League route is our lucky ticket.”
If Sweden finish as one of the top Nations League teams without a secured spot, they enter the World Cup play-offs. From there, they need three wins to qualify.
Potter’s Mission: Restore Identity and Confidence
Potter now faces the challenge of rebuilding confidence, tightening the midfield structure and unlocking goals from Isak and Gyokeres. Sweden believe his clarity and discipline can bring instant improvement.
Kamark said expectations are realistic yet hopeful: “If Potter wins three games and we go to the World Cup, he will be a god.”
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