After Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who comes next? In 2026, the answer is clear: Alexander Isak — Liverpool's star striker — and Viktor Gyökéres, one of Europe's most prolific scorers at Arsenal. Sweden have not just replaced Zlatan; they have found a generation that might surpass him.
Twelve World Cups and Counting
Sweden were runners-up at the 1958 World Cup on home soil — beaten 5–2 by a Brazil team containing the 17-year-old Pelé in one of the tournament's most iconic finals. They finished third in 1950 and 1994, when Tomas Brolin, Kennet Andersson, and Henrik Larsson's Sweden were the neutral's favorites.
The 2018 World Cup brought a surprise quarterfinal run — without Ibrahimovic, who had retired from international duty. They beat Switzerland and drew with South Korea before falling to England in the last eight. It proved Sweden could compete without their superstar when organized properly.
Graham Potter's new Sweden has Isak and Gyökéres as its attacking spine — two of Europe's most dangerous strikers. Dejan Kulusevski provides Premier League experience from Tottenham. Sweden in 2026 may have their strongest squad in decades.
Key Players for 2026
| Player | Position | Role & Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Alexander Isak | Striker | Liverpool's star striker — elite movement, finishing, and the technical quality to trouble any centre-back in the world |
| Viktor Gyökéres | Striker | Arsenal's extraordinary scorer — 40+ goals in 2023–24; arguably one of Europe's most prolific strikers |
| Dejan Kulusevski | Winger / Attacking Mid | Tottenham's Swedish creative force — versatile, pressing, and Premier League quality that lifts the whole team |
| Emil Forsberg | Attacking Mid | Veteran playmaker with RB Leipzig pedigree — experience at the highest European level and creative vision from deep |
| Jens Cajuste | Central Mid | Napoli's Swedish midfielder — energy, pressing, and the work rate to cover ground across 90 minutes |
The 2026 Challenge
Group F with Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia is competitive. The Netherlands are one of Europe's strongest teams. Japan are Asian Cup contenders with European-based talent. Sweden must win at least two games to advance.
With Isak and Gyökéres, Sweden have firepower that few teams can match in Group F. If their goals are flowing, Sweden should advance — and in the knockout rounds, their combination of pace, pressing, and technical quality could cause problems even for the tournament's elite.
Follow Sweden's World Cup 2026 journey as Isak and Gyökéres look to take Swedish football to new heights. ⚽
Frequently Asked Questions
Which group is Sweden in at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Sweden are in Group F with Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia.
What is Sweden's best World Cup result?
Sweden finished as runners-up in 1958 and third place in 1950 and 1994.
Who is Sweden's best player at World Cup 2026?
Alexander Isak (Liverpool) and Viktor Gyökéres (Arsenal) are both world-class strikers — coach Graham Potter has two of Europe's most dangerous forwards.
Has Sweden ever won the FIFA World Cup?
No — their best result is runner-up in 1958 when they hosted the tournament and were beaten by Brazil in the final.