Graham Potter has been named Sweden's new head coach on a short-term contract, tasked with guiding the national team to the 2026 World Cup. The 50-year-old, who was sacked by West Ham less than a month ago, will lead Sweden in their final two qualifying matches next month, with an option to extend his deal through the playoffs and the tournament itself if qualification is achieved.
Sweden currently sit bottom of their qualifying group with just one point from four games. They face Switzerland away on 15 November and Slovenia at home three days later. Even if they fail to finish second, they could still reach the playoffs as winners of Nations League group C1, which grants them a spot among the four best-ranked section winners joining the 12 group runners-up in March.
Potter replaces Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was dismissed after defeats to Switzerland and Kosovo. He inherits a squad featuring Liverpool's Alexander Isak and Arsenal's Viktor Gyökeres. Potter has previous experience in Swedish football, having spent seven successful years at Östersund from 2011, before managing Swansea, Brighton, Chelsea, and West Ham.
“I am very humble about the assignment, but also inspired,” Potter said. “Sweden has fantastic players who deliver in the best leagues every week. My job will be to create the conditions so that we as a team deliver at the highest level to take Sweden to the World Cup next summer.”
