How Sweden reached the World Cup despite finishing rock bottom

Sweden are heading back to the World Cup after salvaging qualification through the UEFA Nations League, despite finishing bottom of their European qualifying group. The Scandinavians, boasting talents such as Viktor Gyökeres, Alexander Isak and Roony Bardghji, endured a nightmare campaign with no wins and only two draws from six matches. Defeats to Switzerland and Kosovo cost Jon Dahl Tomasson his job, and although Graham Potter stabilised the squad, results remained poor as Sweden ended twelve points behind group winners Switzerland.

Their Nations League success, however, proved decisive. Having topped Group C1 with sixteen points against Slovakia, Estonia and Azerbaijan, Sweden earned a play‑off berth and became the only team to capitalise on the opportunity. They beat Ukraine 3‑1 in Valencia before edging Poland 3‑2 to secure their place at the 2026 finals. Drawn in Group F with Tunisia, the Netherlands and Japan, Sweden now prepare for a long‑awaited return to the global stage.