Sweden face Poland in a one off play off game for a place in the World Cup after beating Ukraine 3-1 last night.
Graham Potter’s contract extension as manager got off to a good start without the likes of Alexander Isak and captain Dejan Kulusevski.
However, to get to this position Sweden have had an unusual qualifying campaign finishing bottom of their group with only two points.
Failing to beat any of Slovenia, Kosovo and Switzerland.
In 2024/2025, they won their UEFA Nations League C group which allowed them to guarantee a play off spot regardless of their terrible World Cup qualifying form.
Teams such as Finland (10), Lithuania (3), Malta (5), Estonia (4) and Kazakhstan (8) all got more points in qualifying than Sweden but didn’t receive a play off spot.
Even worse, Sweden were relegated from their Nations League B group in 2022 after drawing 1-1 with Slovenia which allowed them to participate in Nations league C.
Sweden have been involved in twelve World Cups and will be hoping to make it thirteen in the most fascinating way.
