Sweden were back. Missing from the previous edition, they had last graced the World Cup in 2018. Under Graham Potter, they were ready to write the next chapter.
Sweden return to a men's World Cup for the first time since 2018 a long-anticipated redemption after missing 2022 in a qualifying playoff loss to Poland. Graham Potter replaced the sacked Jon Dahl Tomasson in late 2025 and rebuilt the team around Viktor Gyökeres, Dejan Kulusevski, Alexander Isak, and Anthony Elanga arguably Sweden's most attacking generation since the mid-1990s.
Sweden experienced an inconsistent group stage, mixing moments of promise with frustrating setbacks. In the knockout rounds, they fell to France in the Round of 32. France proved to be a step too far, and Sweden's campaign came to a decisive end in the Round of 32.
1won1drawn2lost
7scored10conceded
Just 1 win in 4 matches conceded 10 in 4 matches.
Viktor Gyökeres, 27, was La Liga's Pichichi at Sporting CP before his 2024 move to Arsenal. His power, pace, and finishing make him Sweden's most potent centre-forward since Zlatan's peak years.
vs Tunisia
group stage
2 goals in 6 minutes 2 scored by Ayari.
Anthony Elanga led Sweden's attack with 2 goals at the 2026 World Cup. Shared the top-scorer honours with Ayari, both with 2.
Potter, 50, is an English manager appointed after Tomasson was sacked in October 2025 following poor qualifying results. A former Brighton and Chelsea head coach, his tactical flexibility and player-development reputation were key factors in Sweden's qualification turnaround. Leading Sweden at his first World Cup just 1 win in 4 under Potter.
