Sweden's World Cup squad announcement brings mixed emotions, with star forwards Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres earning call-ups but Tottenham's Dejan Kulusevski excluded due to a persistent knee injury. Coach Graham Potter finalized his 26-man roster for the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, blending experience with emerging talent.
Kulusevski's absence is the major talking point. The 26-year-old has not played this season because of the knee problem, and despite his pedigree, Potter deemed the rehabilitation timeline too tight. "A very, very difficult decision in terms of where he has been and what he's done over the last year, where he's at in terms of his rehab with four and a half weeks to go to that first game," Potter admitted. The omission robs Sweden of a creative force who has been pivotal in recent campaigns.
For Isak, the squad inclusion is a vote of confidence despite a frustrating debut season at Liverpool. After his British-record £125m move from Newcastle last summer, the 26-year-old has started only eight league matches due to injuries. Potter expressed hope that Isak can finish the club season with fitness and touch. "Our challenge is to get Alex in the best moment of the season and for him to hit top form, because if he does, he's a world-class player," Potter said, underlining the striker's potential to swing games.
Gyokeres offers more certain firepower. The Arsenal forward has bagged 19 international goals in 16 appearances, a remarkable strike rate that makes him Sweden's primary threat. His clinical finishing in the Premier League and European competition transfers seamlessly to the national team, and Potter will lean heavily on his consistency.
Beyond the headliners, the squad features a strong British-based contingent. Eleven players ply their trade in England or Scotland, including goalkeepers Viktor Johansson (Stoke) and Jacob Widell Zetterstrom (Derby). Defenders Hjalmar Ekdal (Burnley), Gabriel Gudmundsson (Leeds), and Victor Lindelof (Aston Villa) bring top-flight experience, while midfielders Yasin Ayari (Brighton) and Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham) represent the next generation. Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga and Celtic forward Benjamin Nygren add pace and versatility.
Sweden's path to the finals was anything but straightforward. They finished bottom of their World Cup qualifying group with just two points, a disastrous campaign that seemed to spell the end. However, a Nations League lifeline offered redemption, and playoff victories over Ukraine and Poland secured their ticket. Potter, who took charge in October, described the achievement as "incredibly exciting" and praised the supporters' response.
The Group F draw pits Sweden against Tunisia in the opener on June 14 in Monterrey, Mexico. Then they face the Netherlands in Houston on June 20, followed by Japan in Dallas on June 25 (local time). It's a challenging slate, with the Dutch and Japanese posing technical and tactical tests. The kickoff times—late night for European audiences—add a logistical layer for fans back home.
Analyzing Potter's selection, the balance between experience and youth is deliberate. Kulusevski's absence forces a reshuffle in the attacking midfield slots, likely placing more creative burden on Ayari and Bergvall. Defensively, Lindelof's leadership will be crucial, while the goalkeeping choice remains competitive. Isak's fitness could define Sweden's ceiling; if he can replicate his Newcastle form, they have a genuine match-winner. Without Kulusevski, however, the supply line may suffer.
For the clubs involved, the squad announcement carries implications. Liverpool will monitor Isak's workload carefully, hoping the World Cup serves as a springboard rather than a setback. Arsenal fans will eagerly watch Gyokeres continue his international scoring spree. Tottenham, meanwhile, must focus on getting Kulusevski healthy for next season after a lost year.
Ultimately, Sweden enters the World Cup as underdogs but with a potent strike partnership and a coach known for tactical ingenuity. The blend of seasoned pros and exciting youngsters could spring surprises, but much depends on Isak's fitness and the team's ability to adapt without Kulusevski. The stage is set for a fascinating Group F narrative.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
