Sweden's remarkable run to the semi-finals of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, where they came within a whisker of toppling Brazil, has been recalled by one of the tournament's stars, Stefan Schwarz. Speaking exclusively to Daily Star Sport via William Hill's England World Cup 2026 odds, the former midfielder reflected on a campaign that saw Sweden finish third, their best-ever World Cup performance.
Qualification and Group Stage
Tommy Svensson's side qualified for the tournament by topping a group that included surprise package Bulgaria, edging out a France team featuring Eric Cantona and David Ginola. In the World Cup group stage, Sweden faced Brazil, Russia, and Cameroon. After a 2-2 draw with Cameroon in their opener, they came from behind to beat Russia 3-1 and then held Brazil to a 1-1 draw, with Kennet Andersson scoring for Sweden before Romario equalised.
Schwarz said: "The group was tough. Played Cameroon first and were losing 2-1, then it was Larsson who scored a good goal to make it 2-2. We then drew with Brazil and beat Russia."
Knockout Stage Success
In the round of 16, Sweden defeated Saudi Arabia, before overcoming a Romania side inspired by Gheorghe Hagi, who had eliminated Argentina. However, their semi-final clash with Brazil proved a step too far. Schwarz was suspended for the match, a disappointment he still feels. "The semi-final I was suspended which was a real shame as you always want to play in the biggest games," he said.
Brazil edged the semi-final 1-0 thanks to a second-half goal from Romario. Schwarz acknowledged Brazil's quality: "They have top players all over the pitch, the full backs were so good, midfield so competitive and strong and technically excellent and striker wise, they had great finishers."
Third-Place Victory and Legacy
Sweden bounced back emphatically, thrashing Bulgaria 4-0 in the third-place match. Schwarz described the overall experience: "It was fantastic, an amazing experience and such a great time for Swedish football. We knew from 1992 Euros when we got third place, that we could compete in the 1994 World Cup."
He added: "Make no mistake, our goal was to win it, we knew we had a good squad, we were all together as a group, we knew our strengths. We had been together for a few years and were ready to perform on the biggest stage."
Sweden's 1994 campaign remains a golden era for Swedish football, with the team's unity and talent propelling them to the global stage. Schwarz concluded: "We then built on this and we knew with knockout football, you have to perform or go home. So we know we had top players, a good mixture of players, but a united team. It worked well, we peaked well."
