Sweden's journey to the World Cup has been anything but smooth. The team, for the most part under the guidance of Jon Dahl Tomasson, who managed the first five of their six games in UEFA Qualifying Group B, have had to navigate a series of challenges and setbacks.
New manager Graham Potter, who took charge of their final qualifying match - a defeat to Switzerland - now has just a few months to prepare this Sweden side to bounce back from the disappointment of that group campaign to win two playoff games, first against Ukraine.
Sweden are in the playoffs due to their strong performance in the UEFA Nations League, which has given them a lifeline and a chance for redemption.
Sweden's place in the World Cup playoffs is not a result of their performance in the qualifying group, where they finished last.
Graham Potter, who has previously managed in Swedish football for years, is going to be a key figure in Sweden's journey to the World Cup, if they can pull it off.
Swedish fans will hope that the man who put Swedish club Ostersunds on the map, and also managed in the Premier League with Brighton, Chelsea and West Ham, can get the best out of their awe-inspiring attacking talent.
With the likes of Liverpool striker Alexander Isak, Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, and Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga at his disposal, Potter will be expected to at least put up a fight in the playoffs in March.
According to Gustaf at spelbolagutansvensklicens.co, the mood in Sweden is currently low following a difficult qualification campaign. However, the excitement for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is growing stronger as the new year begins and the playoff approaches.
Gustaf, said:
"It's been a humbling year for the Swedish national team, but the slate has been wiped clean, and now the squad can focus on learning from Graham Potter - a good tactical coach - and implementing his vision for those big playoff games on the horizon."
In March, 22 teams will vie for the final few spots at the tournament, which is set to take place in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Four more qualifying teams will come from the 16-team European playoffs, and Sweden will hope to be one of those.
Sweden's path to the World Cup involves a series of crucial matches. If they can progress from Path B, they will advance to Group F and join Japan, the Netherlands, and Tunisia at the World Cup.
This would mark their 13th World Cup qualification.
Sweden's route to the FIFA World Cup 2026 involves two key matches:
26 March: vs Ukraine (semi-final)
31 March: vs Poland/Albania (final)
Potter's men would need to beat Ukraine to reach the playoff final, where they would meet Poland or Albania. Whichever way it plays out, Sweden face one or hopefully two very tough games if they want to make it.
One of Sweden’s best performances was finishing third at USA 1994, and they would love another shot at glory on US soil.
As the countdown to the World Cup continues, the team will be working hard to secure their place in the tournament and make their country proud.
