Sweden’s national football team has announced its squad for the upcoming World Cup, highlighting key players like Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres. The tournament will take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Injury Concerns Impact Squad Selection
Notably absent from the squad is Tottenham forward Dejan Kulusevski, who is sidelined due to a knee injury and has not played this season. Sweden’s coach, Graham Potter, expressed his regret over excluding Kulusevski, citing the player’s substantial contributions over the past year and his current rehabilitation status. “It was a very difficult decision,” said Potter during a recent news conference.
Alexander Isak, who transferred to Liverpool from Newcastle for a British record fee of £125 million, is also dealing with injury issues. He has only started eight matches in the league this season. Potter emphasized the importance of getting Isak back to form. “We hope he finishes the season strong to be at his best for the World Cup,” he stated.
Sweden’s World Cup Journey
Sweden’s path to the World Cup was not straightforward. The team finished last in their qualifying group with just two points. However, their performance in the Nations League provided a second chance, with playoff victories over Ukraine and Poland securing their spot in the tournament.
Key Players in the Squad
In total, there are 11 players from British clubs included in the squad. Key players comprise:
- Forwards: Alexander Isak (Liverpool), Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal)
- Goalkeepers: Viktor Johansson (Stoke), Jacob Widell Zetterstrom (Derby)
- Defenders: Hjalmar Ekdal (Burnley), Gabriel Gudmundsson (Leeds), Victor Lindelof (Aston Villa)
- Midfielders: Yasin Ayari (Brighton), Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham)
- Wingers: Anthony Elanga (Newcastle), Benjamin Nygren (Celtic)
Match Schedule
Sweden will begin their World Cup journey in Group F, with the following matches scheduled:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 14 June (03:00 BST, 15 June) | Tunisia | Monterrey, Mexico |
| 20 June | Netherlands | Houston, USA |
| 26 June (00:00 BST) | Japan | Dallas, USA |
Looking Ahead
Graham Potter conveyed his excitement for the upcoming World Cup, stating, “It’s an incredible honor. The positive feedback from our supporters has been overwhelming.” The team aims to create memorable moments throughout the tournament.
