Graham Potter has named his 26-man Sweden squad for the 2026 World Cup, confirming the inclusion of Premier League stars Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres as the focal points of the team’s attack. The selection, revealed on Tuesday, leaves little room for surprise, showcasing a roster built on a core of experienced campaigners while introducing two uncapped players into the fold.
Isak, currently with Liverpool, has been a consistent goal threat in the Premier League and Europe. Gyökeres, plying his trade at Arsenal, has similarly established himself as one of the most clinical forwards in the game. Their partnership is expected to be the engine of Sweden’s offensive play, supported by the pace and creativity of Anthony Elanga at Newcastle and the experienced defensive leadership of Victor Lindelöf at Aston Villa. Gabriel Gudmundsson, formerly of Lille and now at Leeds, adds further depth on the left flank.
The attacking talent at Potter’s disposal is formidable, but the squad is not without its significant omissions. The most prominent is Dejan Kulusevski, the Tottenham playmaker, who misses out due to a persistent injury that has plagued him in the lead-up to the tournament. His absence deprives Sweden of a key creative outlet in midfield, a role that may now fall to others to fill. Meanwhile, Roony Bardghji, the young forward at FC Barcelona, has been left out after struggling for regular minutes under the Blaugranas’ crowded rotation. Potter’s decision underscores a preference for match fitness and form over potential.
In place of the absentees, Potter has opted to blood two new faces at the senior international level. Eric Smith, who has quietly impressed at German side St. Pauli, and Elliot Stroud of Swedish outfit Mjällby have earned their first call-ups. Their inclusion signals a willingness to inject youthful energy into the squad, providing options in defense and midfield that could prove valuable over the course of a grueling tournament schedule.
Sweden has been drawn into Group F, a section that presents a mix of styles and challenges. The opening match on June 15 pits them against Tunisia, a side known for its resilience and defensive organization. A positive result there will be crucial before a daunting clash with the Netherlands on June 20, a team brimming with technical quality and tournament pedigree. The group stage concludes on June 26 against Japan, a technically proficient opponent that reached the Round of 16 in 2022. Navigating this trio will demand tactical flexibility and clinical execution from Potter’s men.
The tactical setup under Potter is expected to emphasize fluid attacking movements and high pressing, tailored to maximize the strengths of Isak and Gyökeres. With Kulusevski out, the creative burden might shift to wide areas, where Elanga’s direct running and crossing could become key supply lines. Lindelöf’s experience in central defense will be vital in organizing a backline that may include the untested but promising Smith. The blend of Premier League-tested defenders and domestic league graduates reflects a calculated risk that Potter appears ready to take.
Beyond the immediate group, Sweden’s squad composition hints at an ambition to compete beyond the first knockout round. The presence of multiple players from top English clubs brings a level of big-match experience that could prove decisive in the high-pressure knockout environment. However, the team’s depth will be tested, particularly if injuries strike key positions. The omission of a talent like Kulusevski, even through injury, raises questions about the contingency plans for the midfield engine room.
As the countdown to the tournament begins, the reactions to Potter’s squad have been largely measured, with the selection aligning closely with predictions. The real test will unfold on the pitch in North America, where the Isak-Gyökeres tandem must deliver on its promise. For now, the 26 names on the list represent Sweden’s best bet to navigate a tricky group and reassert themselves on the world stage after a period of transition.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
