Sweden

Sweden have always been one of international football's great over-achievers. Runners-up on home soil in 1958, third in 1994, and quarter-finalists as recently as 2018, the Blågult have a tournament pedigree that belies the size of the nation. After the disappointment of missing out on Qatar 2022, Sweden return to the World Cup in 2026 with something they have not had in years: a genuinely frightening attack.

A Forward Line to Fear

For two decades, Swedish football was defined by the towering presence of Zlatan Ibrahimović. The post-Zlatan era was always going to be difficult — but Sweden have emerged from it with a forward line that may, collectively, be even more dangerous.

Alexander Isak is the jewel. Elegant, lightning-quick, and a ruthless finisher, he has established himself among the elite strikers in world football. Alongside him, Viktor Gyökeres has become one of the most prolific goalscorers in Europe, a relentless, powerful runner who punishes any defensive lapse. Add the creativity of Dejan Kulusevski, who can play across the front line or in midfield, and the raw pace of Anthony Elanga, and Sweden possess an attacking quartet capable of hurting any defence at the tournament.

Group F: A Fight for Second

Sweden were drawn into Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia. The Dutch will be favourites to top the group, which leaves Sweden, an excellent Japan side, and a stubborn Tunisia to contest the remaining qualification places. It is a competitive group with no easy games, and Sweden's hopes will rest heavily on their forwards converting the chances their talented attack creates.

The question mark, as it often is for Sweden, sits at the other end of the pitch. If the defence can provide a solid platform, the firepower up front gives them every chance of progressing.

Dangerous Outsiders

Sweden will not arrive as one of the headline favourites, but few teams will want to face a side with this much quality in the final third. If Isak and Gyökeres click in front of goal, Sweden have the profile of a classic tournament dark horse capable of a deep run. Follow every Sweden match live on KickD.