Boasting stars like Viktor Gyokeres, a returning Aleksander Isak, and Barcelona’s Roony Bardghji, Sweden finished last in their group but secured a 2026 World Cup spot through the play-offs via the UEFA Nations League.
Sweden are set to return to the world stage at the 2026 World Cup, ending a period of inconsistency that saw them miss three of the last four major tournaments. While they reached the quarter-finals at Russia 2018, the Scandinavians were notable absentees from South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, and Qatar 2022. Their dismal showing in the European World Cup qualifiers suggested another failure was on the cards, but the UEFA Nations League provided a vital lifeline for the finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The Scandinavians endured a nightmare qualifying campaign, finishing bottom of their group after failing to record a single victory in six matches and managing just two draws. They opened with a 2-2 stalemate in Slovenia before falling to a 2-0 defeat away to Kosovo. The October international break proved fatal for then-manager Jon Dahl Tomasson; back-to-back home losses against Switzerland (0-2) and Kosovo (0-1) brought the Danish coach’s tenure to an abrupt end.
Graham Potter was drafted in to steady the ship, but results remained underwhelming. Sweden suffered a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Switzerland in the penultimate round and could only manage a frustrating 1-1 home draw against Slovenia. These results left the Nordic side rooted to the foot of the table, two points behind Slovenia, nine behind Kosovo, and a staggering 12 adrift of group winners Switzerland.
Nations League success and play-off path
Despite their qualifying woes, Sweden’s previous exploits in the Nations League offered a back door to the finals. The four best-ranked group winners from that competition who failed to qualify directly were granted a play-off berth. Having topped Group C1 with 16 points from a possible 18 against Slovakia, Estonia, and Azerbaijan, Sweden secured both promotion to League B and, crucially, a second bite at the cherry.
The Swedes were the only side to capitalise on this unconventional route. While the other three beneficiaries—Northern Ireland, North Macedonia, and Romania—all crashed out at the semi-final stage without finding the net, losing to Italy (2-0), Denmark (4-0), and Turkey (1-0) respectively, Potter’s side seized their opportunity.
Sweden rose to the occasion when it mattered most. They stunned Ukraine with an impressive 3-1 victory in Valencia in the semi-finals before punching their ticket to the finals by edging out Poland 3-2. Now, Gyokeres, Isak, Bardghji, Elanga, and company prepare for the World Cup, where they have been drawn into Group F alongside Tunisia, the Netherlands, and Japan.
