Sweden can secure their place in the World Cup knockout stage when they face the Netherlands on Saturday, capping a remarkable resurgence under coach Graham Potter.
After opening their Group F campaign with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Tunisia, Sweden head into the clash in a strong position. The result left them top of the group after the Netherlands and Japan shared a 2-2 draw in the other opening match.
A victory against the Dutch would guarantee Sweden a place in the last 32. They could also finish the round at the summit of the group if Japan fail to overcome Tunisia.
The prospect of early qualification would have seemed unlikely just months ago. Sweden endured a disastrous European qualifying campaign, finishing bottom of their group behind Switzerland, Kosovo and Slovenia.
The Scandinavians managed only four goals in six matches and failed to record a single victory, prompting the Swedish Football Association to turn to Potter in an effort to halt the decline.
Initially appointed on a short-term basis after replacing Jon Dahl Tomasson, Potter was later rewarded with a long-term contract running until 2030 after guiding Sweden through the European play-offs and into the World Cup.
Victories over Ukraine and Poland secured Sweden’s place at the tournament, while restoring confidence in a squad that had struggled badly during qualification.
The appointment also marked a return to familiar surroundings for Potter. The Englishman built his coaching reputation in Sweden with Ostersund, leading the club from the fourth tier to the top flight and delivering a memorable Swedish Cup triumph.
His success earned opportunities in English football with Swansea City, Brighton and later Chelsea and West Ham. However, difficult spells in the Premier League left his reputation in need of rebuilding before Sweden offered him another chance.
That rebuild has gathered momentum quickly.
Sweden’s dominant display against Tunisia was one of the standout performances of the opening round. Tunisia arrived in North America with a formidable defensive record after progressing through qualifying without conceding a goal, but Sweden dismantled them with clinical attacking football.
Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres were both on target, while midfielder Yasin Ayari struck twice in a convincing team performance.
Despite the impressive start, Potter has warned against reading too much into a single result as Sweden prepare to face one of the tournament’s strongest sides.
“It’s a good start for us, that’s all it is,” Potter said.
“We know we face a different opponent in the next game. We have to focus on our job and focus on how we play as a team.”
The Sweden coach also highlighted the quality of the Netherlands squad, describing them as one of the favourites to challenge for the title.
A key source of optimism for Sweden is the growing partnership between Isak and Gyokeres. The pair have emerged as one of the most dangerous attacking combinations at the tournament, blending contrasting styles that have caused problems for opposition defences.
“I think they’ll get better and better the more they play,” Potter said.
“They complement each other very well. They bring different attributes and different qualities. Individually they’re top players, but together they can be a real threat.”
Sweden’s football history includes a runner-up finish at the 1958 World Cup and a memorable third-place finish in the United States in 1994. After missing out on qualification for Qatar 2022, they are back on the global stage with renewed belief.
Now, with qualification within touching distance, Potter and his players have the opportunity to continue one of the tournament’s most impressive comeback stories.
