Sweden secured a 3-1 victory over Ukraine in the playoff semifinal, setting up a decisive final against Poland for a place at the 2026 World Cup. The match, played on March 26, saw Sweden advance despite a challenging qualifying campaign that left them bottom of their group with just one point from four games. The final is scheduled for March 31, with the winner earning a spot in the World Cup.
Graham Potter was appointed as Sweden's head coach after Jon Dahl Tomasson was dismissed following a poor run of results. Potter, who previously managed Östersunds FK, Brighton, Chelsea, and West Ham United, inherited a team that had lost its last three games under Tomasson, including two defeats against Kosovo. Sweden's playoff opportunity came through their Nations League success, but they still needed to beat Switzerland and hope for a favor from Slovenia to keep their playoff hopes alive.
It's a bit slower than we hoped, but he's working hard.
Key players were missing from the squad due to injuries. Dejan Kulusevski was not included in the playoff squad after failing to recover from a knee injury, though Potter said he would travel to Spain to meet the squad but not play. Alexander Isak was also left out, with Potter explaining it was too early in his recovery. Lucas Bergvall, however, was included after returning to training with Tottenham Hotspur, having recovered faster than expected from ankle surgery. Viktor Johansson also missed out due to injury. The squad for the Ukraine match was announced on March 18, with several regulars unavailable.
Sweden's squad for the playoff against Ukraine was notably inexperienced, with an average of just 13 caps per player and only five qualifying matches on average, according to reports. Victor Nilsson Lindelöf was the most experienced player with 73 caps, 58 of which came in competitive matches, according to reports. Potter chose not to select experienced players Robin Olsen and Emil Forsberg, according to reports. Only nine players remained from Tomasson's first squad two years ago, according to reports. Potter changed the formation to a back five and simplified the playing style, a tactical shift that paid off against Ukraine, according to reports. Kristoffer Nordfeldt started in goal, and Herman Johansson made his starting debut in the 3-1 win, according to reports. Sebastian Larsson remained as assistant coach, acting as a link between players and Potter, according to reports.
I guarantee both Gyökeres and Lewandowski will score, but Lewandowski will score one more.
Poland's coach Jan Urban, according to Expressen Sport, guaranteed that both Viktor Gyökeres and Robert Lewandowski would score in the final, but Lewandowski would score one more. Poland's assistant coach Jacek Magiera, according to Sportbladet, described Sweden as a 'trap' and said he would rather face Ukraine. Poland has not won in Sweden since 1930, with nine losses and two draws in 11 away matches since, according to multiple reports.
Several players were omitted from the squad for the final. Samuel Dahl was left out despite strong performances and praise from José Mourinho, according to reports. Roony Bardghji was also excluded due to tactical choices, not injury, according to Potter. Gustav Lundgren came on as a substitute and contributed to Sweden's winning goal against Poland, according to reports. Mattias Svanberg, according to Fotbollskanalen, said he was close to leaving Wolfsburg in the winter transfer window, which caused Potter to cancel a planned visit, but he is now fit and available after minor injury issues.
Sweden is a trap. I would rather face Ukraine.
Team morale was high after the semifinal win. Potter arranged video messages from family members for all players before the Ukraine match, a gesture that boosted spirits, according to reports. After returning to Stockholm from Spain, Potter gave the players nearly 24 hours off to rest and prepare for the final, according to reports. The squad is focused on the challenge ahead, with Potter expressing optimism about the return of injured players for future matches, though their availability for the final remains uncertain.
It's a tough decision, but purely sporting.
I was close to leaving Wolfsburg, which caused Potter to cancel a planned visit.
I'm fit and available now after some minor injury issues.
Herman showed great character and effort in the match.
Roony is left out due to tactical choices, not injury.
Kulusevski and Isak are on a good path and I'm optimistic about them returning for March.
It's difficult to say if they will be ready, but there is a chance.
Lucas Bergvall and Viktor Johansson also have injuries, and I hope they can play.