Graham Potter has named the Sweden World Cup 2026 squad, with Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres leading the attack. Anthony Elanga also makes the 26-man list, giving Sweden three Premier League forwards for the tournament. The decision gives Sweden a settled spine before the World Cup 2026 opener against Tunisia.
Dejan Kulusevski misses out after a long injury recovery and no competitive football for a year. Hugo Larsson, Roony Bardghji and Williot Swedberg also stay outside the travelling group. Potter has still picked a squad with tournament experience, strong centre-backs and several younger midfield options.
Potter Keeps Sweden’s Attack Built Around Isak And Gyökeres
Sweden’s selection starts with Isak and Gyökeres because both give Potter different routes to goal. Isak offers movement between defenders and link play from the left channel. Gyökeres gives Sweden direct running, penalty-box power and the finishing edge that carried them through the playoff.
Elanga adds pace on the right, so Sweden can stretch teams without pushing both full-backs high. Benjamin Nygren and Gustaf Nilsson give Potter bench options if Sweden need fresh legs late in matches. As a result, Sweden have more attacking variety than their difficult qualifying record suggested.
Kulusevski Omission Changes Sweden’s Midfield Balance
Kulusevski’s absence removes Sweden’s best ball-carrier between midfield and attack. Potter has responded by leaning on Lucas Bergvall, Yasin Ayari, Mattias Svanberg and Jesper Karlström. That group gives Sweden passing range, work rate and enough flexibility to change shape.
Hugo Larsson’s omission is another major call because he had been part of the wider squad conversation. Roony Bardghji and Williot Swedberg also miss out despite strong club profiles. Those decisions show Potter has valued readiness, role fit and group balance over reputation.
Full Sweden World Cup 2026 Squad List
Sweden named three goalkeepers, ten defenders and thirteen midfielders or attackers. The final submission deadline remains June 1, so the list can still change if an injury forces a replacement. Herman Johansson has been named as a reserve and will join pre-tournament preparations.
Goalkeepers
- Kristoffer Nordfeldt (AIK)
- Viktor Johansson (Stoke City)
- Jacob Widell Zetterström (Derby County)
Defenders
- Daniel Svensson (Borussia Dortmund)
- Victor Nilsson Lindelöf (Aston Villa)
- Isak Hien (Atalanta)
- Carl Starfelt (Celta Vigo)
- Elliot Stroud (Mjällby AIF)
- Gustaf Lagerbielke (Braga)
- Gabriel Gudmundsson (Leeds United)
- Emil Holm (Juventus)
- Hjalmar Ekdal (Burnley)
- Eric Smith (St Pauli)
Midfielders And Attackers
- Taha Ali (Malmö FF)
- Yasin Ayari (Brighton)
- Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham Hotspur)
- Anthony Elanga (Newcastle United)
- Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal)
- Jesper Karlström (Udinese)
- Gustaf Nilsson (Club Brugge)
- Benjamin Nygren (Celtic)
- Mattias Svanberg (Wolfsburg)
- Besfort Zeneli (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise)
- Alexander Isak (Liverpool)
- Alexander Bernhardsson (Holstein Kiel)
- Ken Sema (Pafos)
Group F Schedule Now Has A Clearer Sweden Shape
Sweden enter Group F with Tunisia, the Netherlands and Japan. They face Tunisia first in Monterrey, then meet the Netherlands in Houston. Their final group match comes against Japan in Arlington, which could decide knockout qualification.
The squad choice suggests Potter wants Sweden to defend with a strong back line and attack early through the front three. Lindelöf, Hien and Starfelt give him centre-back depth for a back three or a four-man defence. Sweden can also use Sema, Holm or Gudmundsson as wide outlets depending on the opponent.
Why Sweden’s Squad Carries Real Knockout Upside
Sweden did not reach the 2022 World Cup, so this squad arrives with a point to prove. Their playoff win over Poland gave Potter a cleaner tournament platform after a difficult qualification path. Still, Group F leaves little room for slow starts because the Netherlands and Japan can punish loose possession.
The clearest strength sits in the forward line. Isak and Gyökeres can start together or rotate central zones, while Elanga can attack space behind full-backs. If Sweden protect the midfield, their forwards can turn limited chances into points.
Broadcast And Fan Planning Around Sweden’s Matches
Sweden fans should check the confirmed TV allocation before match week because channel picks can vary by country. FWCTimes keeps the tournament viewing picture organized through the World Cup broadcasting guide. Match windows will matter for fans following Sweden from Europe, North America and Asia.
The squad also gives Sweden’s travelling support clearer names to follow during training and warm-up matches. Potter’s group meets before the tournament and plays friendlies before flying to its Dallas-area base. That preparation window will decide the goalkeeper order and final defensive shape.
Selection Takeaway For Sweden Supporters
Potter has picked a squad built around immediate tournament readiness. The exclusions will dominate debate, yet Sweden’s selected group still has enough quality to challenge in Group F. Isak, Gyökeres and Elanga give Sweden the kind of forward line most third-place hopefuls lack.
The next checkpoint comes when FIFA receives the final list on June 1. Until then, Sweden must protect fitness, settle the midfield roles and avoid late defensive injuries. Follow FIFA World Cup news for squad changes before the opening match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sweden’s squad now gives Potter a clear month to turn selection calls into a working tournament plan.
Stay tuned to FWCTimes.com for the latest FIFA World Cup 2026 updates.
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