Sweden World Cup 2026 squad features Isak and Gyokeres

Sweden's World Cup squad for 2026 includes Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres and Liverpool forward Alexander Isak.

Squad includes top British-based players Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres and Liverpool forward Alexander Isak have been included in Sweden's World Cup squad for the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Tottenham forward Dejan Kulusevski was left out due to a knee injury that has kept him sidelined this season. Sweden's coach Graham Potter described the decision as extremely tough. ## Coach explains tough squad decisions Graham Potter revealed the difficulty in omitting Kulusevski despite his past contributions. 'A very, very difficult decision in terms of where he has been and what he has done over the last year, where he is at in terms of his rehab with four and a half weeks to go to that first game,' Potter explained during a press gathering. Isak, who joined Liverpool last summer for a British record £125 million, has also faced injury issues and limited league starts this season. ## Focus on Isak's recovery and form Potter emphasized the importance of Isak gaining match fitness before the tournament. 'We obviously hope he finishes the season in Liverpool with some game time,' he said. 'Our challenge is to get Alex in the best moment of the season and for him to hit top form, because if he does, he is a world-class player.' ## Sweden's path to the World Cup finals Sweden finished last in their World Cup qualifying group with just two points, but a strong Nations League performance provided a second chance. Wins over Ukraine and Poland in the play-offs secured their spot in the finals. Potter, who took charge in October, expressed his excitement and gratitude toward supporters. ## Potter highlights squad's potential 'It is incredibly exciting - a huge honour for me,' Potter said of the opportunity. 'The positive response from our supporters has been fantastic, and now we are looking forward to creating more memories together during the World Cup.' ## Squad features 11 British-based players The squad includes 11 British-based players, with goalkeepers Viktor Johansson (Stoke) and Jacob Widell Zetterstrom (Derby) among them. Defenders Hjalmar Ekdal (Burnley), Gabriel Gudmundsson (Leeds), and Victor Lindelof (Aston Villa) have also been selected. Midfielders Yasin Ayari (Brighton) and Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham) are joined by forwards Anthony Elanga (Newcastle) and Benjamin Nygren (Celtic). ## Full Sweden World Cup squad breakdown Goalkeepers: Viktor Johansson (Stoke City), Kristoffer Nordfeldt (AIK), Jacob Widell Zetterstrom (Derby County). Defenders: Hjalmar Ekdal (Burnley), Gabriel Gudmundsson (Leeds United), Isak Hien (Atalanta), Emil Holm (Juventus), Gustaf Lagerbielke (Braga), Victor Lindelof (Aston Villa), Erik Smith (St. Pauli), Carl Starfelt (Celta Vigo), Elliot Stroud (Mjallby), Daniel Svensson (Borussia Dortmund). Midfielders: Taha Ali (Malmo), Yasin Ayari (Brighton), Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham), Jesper Karlstrom (Udinese), Ken Sema (Pafos), Mattias Svanberg (Wolfsburg), Besfort Zeneli (Union St-Gilloise). Forwards: Alexander Bernhardsson (Holstein Kiel), Anthony Elanga (Newcastle United), Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal), Alexander Isak (Liverpool), Gustaf Nilsson (Club Brugge), Benjamin Nygren (Celtic). ## Sweden's World Cup group stage schedule Sweden are drawn in Group F and will begin their campaign against Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico on 14 June at 03:00 BST on 15 June. Their next match is against the Netherlands in Houston on 20 June, followed by a game against Japan in Dallas on 25 June at 00:00 BST on 26 June.