Graham Potter names Sweden's World Cup squad

May 12, 2026

Head coach Graham Potter has announced Sweden's 26-player squad for the 2026 World Cup. Several established players are missing from the team.

Graham Potter has selected the squad following difficult decisions. Dejan Kulusevski, recovering from a knee injury, is left out as he has not played a match in a year.

Potter said he spoke with Kulusevski and made the call based on what was best for both the player and the team. Hugo Larsson and Roony Bardghji are also omitted due to age and competition.

Carl Starfelt is included despite a back injury, with Herman Johansson as an extra reserve. The team gathers in Stockholm on 27 May. Sweden opens against Tunisia on 15 June.

Ano ang sinasabi ng mga tao

Initial reactions on X to Graham Potter's announcement of Sweden's 26-man 2026 World Cup squad highlight surprise and criticism over omissions of young talents like Roony Bardghji, Hugo Larsson, Sebastian Nanasi and Samuel Dahl, as well as Dejan Kulusevski's absence due to long-term injury. Users question the focus on system over individual talent, with some expressing disappointment in the lack of 'wow' names, while noting inclusions of players like Viktor Gyökeres, Alexander Isak and Victor Lindelöf.

Graham Potter has left Roony Bardghji, Hugo Larsson, Samuel Dahl and Sebastian Nanasi
out of Sweden’s World Cup squad. This makes no sense whatsoever. Focusing on a system over talent and players who can adapt. He will ruin Swedish football if they continue with him.

— Junior (@ehimen_junior) Mayo 12, 2026

🇸🇪 Sweden's World Cup squad had a few interesting exclusions by head coach Graham Potter:

Roony Bardghji 📸
Hugo Larsson
Williot Swedberg
Sebastian Nanasi
Samuel Dahl

Players who are seen as a big part of Sweden's future. pic.twitter.com/s3zbC66hNU

— Passport Soccer (@passport_soccer) Mayo 12, 2026

Sweden have announced their 26-man squad for the World Cup this summer, with Tottenham Hotspur’s Dejan Kulusevski missing out after his knee injury struggles.

There is also no spot for Barcelona winger Roony Bardghji in head coach Graham Potter’s squad for the tournament in the… pic.twitter.com/rZ9Rf6JS8f

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) Mayo 12, 2026

En 8-årig FIFA-spelare hade tagit ut en bättre VM-trupp. Spyr på Sebastian Larsson och Graham Potter!! 🤮🤮🤮🤮

— Wimano (@PelleWiman) Mayo 12, 2026

wow no Larsson, Roony and Swedberg is huge. Those could’ve been players who make a difference off the bench if Potter doesn’t start them https://t.co/6jo6BbbgzH

— Chris 🇨🇴 (@chrisRMCF_) Mayo 12, 2026

Mga Pinagmulan

• https://www.dn.se/sport/johan-esk-26-vm-spelare-men-inte-ett-enda-wow-namn/
• https://www.sydsvenskan.se/sport/har-ar-svenska-vm-truppen/
• https://www.sydsvenskan.se/sport/ingen-kulusevski-i-vm-truppen/