Sweden arrive at a crucial moment in their World Cup qualifying campaign. After four matches they have only one point and just two goals scored, meaning direct qualification is already out of reach. Jon Dahl Tomasson was dismissed as head coach on October 14, a move the Swedish Football Association framed as necessary because results had fallen short, and Graham Potter was hired on a short-term deal on October 20 to try to steady the ship.
With Switzerland and Kosovo effectively contesting the top spot, Sweden’s realistic route back into contention is the play-offs — but to get there they must win both of their November fixtures, against Switzerland on November 15 and Slovenia on November 18. Failure to take maximum points would leave little margin for error.
Former Sweden defender Jonas Olsson says the national side has the players to compete but has struggled with a tactical transition. Sweden possess an unusually strong crop of attackers — Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, Dejan Kulusevski and Anthony Elanga among them — and Olsson argues that a more attacking identity suits the group. However, the early shift away from the old, defensive 4-4-2 template toward a more open style has left the team exposed and too easily punished.
Olsson believes the change of approach is sensible given the personnel, but should have been introduced more cautiously. He thinks Sweden must find a balance: play with greater attacking intent to get the best out of their forwards, while ensuring defensive structure is not sacrificed. He points to a centre-back group capable of operating higher up the pitch — players such as Isak Hien and Victor Lindelof — contrasting them with the previous generation who were more comfortable sitting deep.
Potter’s appointment brings some optimism. His previous work in Sweden, his coaching staff that includes Bjorn Hamberg, and his leadership credentials mean supporters see him as a familiar figure who can restore cohesion. Olsson stresses that there is no luxury for long-term experimentation: Potter must get the team performing immediately across the two November matches.
Potter has confirmed Alexander Isak is fit and available, while Viktor Gyokeres is missing from the current squad with a muscular problem. When both are fully fit, Sweden’s attack looks far more dangerous. Olsson says the priority is to involve those forwards more often — the previous setup limited touches and opportunities for Isak and Gyokeres — and he expects Potter to consider a system that pairs two strikers rather than isolating one as a deep folio in a 3-4-2-1.
The chemistry between Isak and Gyokeres has not yet been realized for the national team, and getting their balance right — pressing, transitions and supply — will be central to any recovery. If Potter can change formation, get the leading forwards into good positions and shore up defensive balance, Sweden can still fight for a play-off spot.
Missing this World Cup would be a bitter outcome for a generation of Swedish players who are entering their prime. Gyokeres is 26 and Isak and Kulusevski are 25; Olsson warns that these are years they cannot afford to squander. For that reason alone, Sweden must put everything into back-to-back victories next week and make qualification for the play-offs a realistic objective.