Emil Forsberg makes a comeback to the Swedish national football team after over a year. The 34-year-old midfielder from New York Red Bulls replaces the injured Malmö FF player Taha Ali in the World Cup qualifying squad. The team prepares for matches against Switzerland away and Slovenia at home in Solna.
Coach Graham Potter surprised many when he selected Taha Ali to the squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday. The Malmö-based forward was set to debut, but on Thursday it was announced that Ali is injured and has withdrawn. Stepping in is the experienced Emil Forsberg.
Forsberg, who plays for the MLS club New York Red Bulls, has had a strong season with 11 goals and nine assists in 33 matches. He has 90 caps and 21 goals for Sweden. His last appearance for Blågult was last fall, when he came on as a substitute in the second half during Sweden's 6–0 home win over Azerbaijan.
Upcoming matches are against Switzerland away, followed by Slovenia at the Nationalarenan in Solna. Forsberg's return is seen as an addition of experience to a squad mixing young talents and veterans. Potter has not commented on the selection specifically, but it underscores the need for balance in the team.