Sweden secured their first World Cup qualification since 2018 with a dramatic playoff win over Poland.
Graham Potter, the Sweden national team manager, exclaimed 'We are going to the World Cup, baby,' after Viktor Gyokeres scored an 88th-minute winner against Poland to secure a thrilling 3-2 playoff victory in front of 50,000 fans at Stockholm's Strawberry Arena in March. The English coach called it 'the best night of my career,' marking a high point after earlier departures from Chelsea and West Ham. Potter admitted the previous failures 'hurt' and were 'painful experiences,' but he emphasized the importance of learning from them. He reflected that difficult moments shape a person, though he acknowledged gratitude is easier to feel in hindsight than in the middle of hardship.
Viktor Gyokeres became the hero for Sweden with a dramatic late strike against Poland, following a hat-trick in the previous game against Ukraine. Potter described the goal as 'like an out of body experience,' recalling how substitutes rushed onto the pitch with 15 players on the field, prompting concerns over yellow cards. 'That's yellow cards, that's problems,' he joked, acknowledging the chaos of the moment. The final whistle brought an indescribable feeling in the stadium, lifting Potter after a period of limited positivity in his coaching journey.
Before his stints at Swansea and Brighton, Potter began his coaching career in Sweden with Ostersunds FK, taking them from the fourth tier to the top flight, winning the domestic cup, and reaching Europe. It was there he learned Swedish and immersed himself in the culture, even singing the national anthem before matches. Potter described feeling 'very Swedish' while working and noted that two of his children were born in the country during his seven-year stay. He credited these experiences for shaping his approach to coaching and felt a deep connection to Sweden when appointed national team manager.
Potter highlighted receiving a congratulatory message from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whom he referred to as 'one of the kings of Sweden.' Potter explained that Sweden's qualification for the World Cup was particularly special given the financial benefits for the national football structure, contrasting it with England's routine qualification. He also shared his familiarity with Sweden's 1994 World Cup campaign, recalling the team's iconic tournament song 'När vi gräver guld i USA' as part of the country's football culture. His decision to join Sweden initially on a short-term deal in November 2025 proved to be a strategic move after he extended his contract until 2030.
Potter emphasized the importance of forwards Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres for Sweden's hopes at the World Cup, with their first major tournament together under his management. He noted their differing styles could benefit the team, though they had not played together yet during his tenure. Isak, despite his £125m move to Liverpool, struggled with injuries last season but remains a key professional aiming to contribute. Gyokeres, meanwhile, scored 21 goals in his first season at Arsenal, though he faced criticism despite helping Sweden qualify with four goals in two matches.
Sweden will be based in Stockholm during the World Cup, allowing players to spend time with family and friends after a demanding club season. Potter highlighted the challenges of squad selection, calling it 'the toughest conversations as a father and human being,' while also noting the increased importance of set-pieces in hot conditions. The team will face Tunisia, the Netherlands, and Japan in Group F, with friendlies against Norway and Greece before the tournament opener on 15 June. Potter reflected on his childhood memory of watching Diego Maradona in 1986, calling his current role 'a dream.'
Potter shared his deep connection to Sweden's football culture, including the national anthem he sings before matches and his admiration for the 1994 World Cup team's song 'När vi gräver guld i USA.' He noted that many nations do not qualify for the World Cup as routinely as England, making Sweden's achievement special. The team's qualification also holds financial significance for the national football structure, ensuring stability and growth. Potter's journey from Ostersunds to leading Sweden reflects his integration into the country's football fabric.