Sweden have progressed to the round of 16 at the World Cup, a feat that comes after a resurgence under new manager Graham Potter. The Blågult secured their place despite a challenging qualification campaign, ultimately benefiting from changes to international competition rules.
Potter took the reins of the Swedish national team earlier this year, following a period of rebuilding. His appointment has coincided with a marked improvement in form, including victories in qualifying matches against Ukraine and Poland. Potter expressed his excitement at the prospect of facing France, stating it was “a match fantastic, the kind of encounter you dream of as a child.” He acknowledged the strength of the French team but emphasized Sweden’s eagerness for the challenge.
Historically, encounters between France and Sweden have been infrequent, particularly in major tournaments. Remarkably, the two nations have never met in a World Cup match. Their previous clashes at the European Championship have not favored France, with two draws – a 1-1 result in 1992 and a 0-2 defeat in 2012 – both preceding disappointing tournament exits for Les Bleus. This history adds an extra layer of intrigue to their upcoming match.
Gabriel Gudmundsson, currently playing for Leeds United, will be a familiar face for some French fans, having previously played for Lille. He is expected to feature prominently in the Swedish defense. The expanded format of the 2026 World Cup, incorporating the UEFA Nations League as a qualifying pathway, has allowed teams like Sweden to reach the tournament despite modest performances in traditional qualifying groups. This new system provides a second chance for European nations, a benefit Sweden has capitalized on. The Swedish team themselves appear somewhat surprised by their progress, but are determined to exploit their opportunity and pose a threat to France.
