Sweden's qualification for the 2026 World Cup appears bleak after Graham Potter took over as manager. Despite boasting an attacking arsenal featuring players like Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Anthony Elanga, Sweden are bottom of their qualifying group behind Slovenia, Kosovo and Switzerland.
Potter, who was described as "half Swedish" by former Ostersunds defender Pontus Kamark, is well-liked by fans for his familiarity with the national culture. However, even he admits that his previous roles at West Ham, Chelsea and Brighton did not prepare him specifically for Sweden's situation.
The Swedes have another path to qualify, having reached the World Cup play-offs as one of the four best performing teams in the Nations League not assured of a play-off spot. To reach their goal they must beat Switzerland and Slovenia this month and hope Kosovo fail to pick up another point.
Despite the odds against them, there is still hope for Sweden. Many Swedes write about hope, even experts talk about it. "We should have won the group," says Kamark. "But after that, there's no real difference between finishing second and this Nations League route, which is our lucky ticket."
Ultimately, whether or not Potter can lead his team to the World Cup will be decided by results. If he wins the games, then he'll be a god. And even if he doesn't succeed, he'll have time. Hopefully, he can create something quick and who knows what will happen?
Potter, who was described as "half Swedish" by former Ostersunds defender Pontus Kamark, is well-liked by fans for his familiarity with the national culture. However, even he admits that his previous roles at West Ham, Chelsea and Brighton did not prepare him specifically for Sweden's situation.
The Swedes have another path to qualify, having reached the World Cup play-offs as one of the four best performing teams in the Nations League not assured of a play-off spot. To reach their goal they must beat Switzerland and Slovenia this month and hope Kosovo fail to pick up another point.
Despite the odds against them, there is still hope for Sweden. Many Swedes write about hope, even experts talk about it. "We should have won the group," says Kamark. "But after that, there's no real difference between finishing second and this Nations League route, which is our lucky ticket."
Ultimately, whether or not Potter can lead his team to the World Cup will be decided by results. If he wins the games, then he'll be a god. And even if he doesn't succeed, he'll have time. Hopefully, he can create something quick and who knows what will happen?
Potter's background might actually be an asset in this team tho - being familiar with the culture & all that, it could bring a different perspective to the squad. They've got some talented players, but maybe they're not playing to their strengths? And y'know, winning that Nations League route would be a great morale boost for Sweden 
. They had some amazing players back then too, like Zlatan IbrahimoviΔ (RIP) and Sebastian Larsson. It's crazy to think about how far they've fallen since then... but you know what? I still got faith in Potter to turn things around 
! Maybe he can bring that Swedish magic back 
! The Nations League route is a wild card, and who knows, maybe it'll be Sweden's ticket to the World Cup 
. I mean, we've all been here before - underdogs making a comeback 
... it's never too late for them to make a push 
!
I mean, I feel for Sweden! They've got some talented players, but it's tough when you're stuck in a group with some strong teams like Switzerland and Slovenia 
. Potter's got this whole "half Swedish" thing going on, which is cool, but he's never managed a team before... that's a big learning curve 
. I love how the fans are still optimistic though, there's always hope when it comes to the World Cup 
! Can you imagine if they pull off a miracle and make it? 
their team was supposed to do so much better this qualification 
but gotta give a shoutout to graham potter, he's trying his best and the fact that he's got a good connection with the culture is a huge advantage 
they're not out of the woods yet, and if they can take down switzerland and slovenia this month, they've still got a shot 
. Graham Potter is trying his best, but it's tough when you're not used to being in Sweden's shoes 
. On the other hand, the fans' hope is super inspiring 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to see Sweden at the World Cup? 
Even if they don't win their group, the play-offs are a great way out 
. The question is, can Potter's team come together and make something magical 
. What do you think, will Sweden pull off an upset? 
At least he has some experience with the Swedes' culture from his Ostersunds days 
. But let's not count our chickens before they hatch... 
They've still got this Nations League route as a backup plan, which could work out pretty well if they can pull off some wins 
And omg what's up with this "half Swedish" thing about Potter? Is that even a thing now? 
. If they can pull it off, Potter could be a total legend 
. Either way, at least Sweden's giving it a go, right? 
. Still, you can never count them out in the play-offs β if they get there, I'd love to see what happens 
. But, honestly, I think it's going to be a bit of a David vs Goliath story... 
. The fans are holding out hope and even some experts think they've got a shot 
. I reckon it's gonna be a wild ride for Sweden regardless of what happens 
.
. And honestly, the Nations League path might be their best bet if they can pull it off... 
Sweden is in a mess because of him! Those guys had the potential to do well, but now they're stuck playing catch-up. And don't even get me started on how unimpressive their attacking arsenal is... Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres? Please, those are just basic players that any top-tier team would have. 
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I'm not sure how much of a difference Graham Potter's background is going to make in this situation. I mean, it's not like he's never managed before 
! He's got that "half Swedish" vibe going on, which is cute 
! The World Cup play-offs are their lifeline, so fingers crossed for 'em