Sweden national football team coach Graham Potter revealed a 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on May 12, leaving out Tottenham Hotspur forward Dejan Kulusevski due to his ongoing knee injury issues sustained about a year ago [1, 2]. Potter called the decision "very, very difficult" given Kulusevski's rehab progress and the short time remaining before Sweden's opening match [1]. "Once those games start, you're not really in a place where you can start playing in big areas," Potter said, explaining the challenge of getting Kulusevski up to tournament level with just four and a half weeks to go [1].
Despite his own injury struggles this season, striker Alexander Isak remains part of the squad and is expected to be ready for the World Cup kickoff. Potter 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's a world-class player" [1, 2].
Sweden qualified for the World Cup after finishing bottom in their UEFA qualifying group but advancing through the Nations League playoffs, where they beat Ukraine and Poland [1, 2]. The squad includes three goalkeepers and multiple defenders, reflecting the full team announced by Potter [1, 2].
Drawn into Group F, Sweden will play Tunisia in Guadalupe, Mexico, on June 14. Their other group matches are against the Netherlands in Houston and Japan in Arlington, Texas [1, 2]. Potter expressed excitement about the tournament, calling it a "huge honour" and praising the supporters' positive reaction [1].
Sweden's World Cup journey begins June 14 in Guadalupe with the opening Group F match against Tunisia [1, 2].