Sweden Names 2026 World Cup Squad As Isak Returns And Bardghji And Kulusevski Miss Out

Alexander Isak returns from injury to headline Graham Potter’s Sweden World Cup squad, while Barcelona forward Roony Bardghji and Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski are left out. Potter names 26 players for Sweden’s first World Cup appearance since 2018, blending Premier League regulars with domestic league options.

Potter explains that the selection process has been extensive and detailed, with a strong focus on squad balance. Sweden’s head coach stresses that long tournaments need more than individual talent, highlighting the importance of chemistry, mentality and adaptability when choosing between several strong candidates for limited places.

Potter said: "We have turned every stone and investigated the possibilities, and I have carefully considered the situation before making this decision, which was very tough. I have chosen a group that can stand strong together and in which the players get the best out of each other.A tournament is something different from an ordinary gathering. We are faced with other challenges over time that we need to handle together, and we build that capacity with the right mix of players, where everyone matters."

The most debated omissions are Bardghji and Kulusevski. Bardghji is left out despite playing 26 matches for Barcelona in all competitions this season, including nine starts, and contributing as the club kept hold of the LaLiga title. Kulusevski misses out after being unavailable throughout the entire 2025-26 campaign because of a serious knee injury.

Isak is recalled after recovering from a fractured fibula that ruled the Liverpool striker out for about four months. The injury, suffered just before Christmas, forced Isak to miss Sweden’s March play-off wins over Ukraine and Poland. Isak later sat out Liverpool’s Premier League defeat to Manchester United with a minor groin problem, yet Sweden expect full fitness by June.

During Isak’s absence, Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres led the attack and delivered decisive performances. Gyokeres scored a hat-trick against Ukraine in the play-off semi-final, then provided the late winner in a 3-2 victory over Poland in the final. Gyokeres arrives in strong form, with nine goals in the last 13 Premier League matches.

Sweden World Cup squad fixtures and Group F schedule

Sweden’s build-up includes friendlies against Norway and Greece before the tournament. The World Cup campaign in Group F starts against Tunisia on 14 June in Guadeloupe. Sweden then meet the Netherlands on 20 June in Houston, followed by Japan on 25 June in Arlington, Texas, completing a demanding travel schedule.

Full Sweden World Cup squad list and key players

Isak, who has 16 goals from 56 senior caps, is one of the most experienced attacking names in Potter’s 26-player group. The squad also features Premier League defenders and midfielders, plus several players from Scandinavian and European clubs, creating depth across all positions for the World Cup campaign.

Sweden enter the World Cup with a mix of returning stars and emerging players, guided by Potter’s focus on unity and structure. The absence of Bardghji and Kulusevski draws attention, yet Isak’s availability and Gyokeres’ scoring form provide Sweden with clear attacking options for the matches in Group F.