Stockholm, Sweden – In a surprising turn of events, Graham Potter has been named the new manager of the Swedish national team, following his dismissal from West Ham United last month. The Swedish Football Association (SvFF) made the announcement earlier today, confirming Potter will take over from Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was sacked after a string of poor results left Sweden's 2026 World Cup qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Potter, 50, has agreed to an initial short-term contract with the immediate goal of revitalizing the national team's chances of reaching the World Cup. Sweden currently sits at the bottom of Group B in the World Cup qualifiers after a particularly humiliating 1-0 defeat to Kosovo. SvFF Chairman Simon Astrom cited the need for "new leadership" as the driving force behind the change, hoping to reignite their qualification campaign through a potential playoff route.
While Potter's recent stint at West Ham ended prematurely after just six wins in 23 matches, his deep-rooted connection to Swedish football and previous success in the country made him a standout candidate. Between 2011 and 2018, Potter managed Östersunds FK, guiding them from the fourth tier of Swedish football to the Allsvenskan (the top tier). He also led them to a Swedish Cup victory in 2017 and oversaw a memorable Europa League campaign where they defeated teams like Galatasaray and Hertha Berlin.
Potter has openly expressed his fondness for Sweden, and his appointment is viewed as a move to stabilize a team in transition. He will be tasked with rebuilding the squad and maximizing the potential of key attacking players such as Liverpool forward Alexander Isak and Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Despite their difficult position in the World Cup qualifiers, Sweden still has a potential route to the playoffs through their performance in the 2024–25 Nations League. By topping their Nations League League C Group 1, they have secured a potential playoff spot. To secure a play-off path to the 2026 World Cup, Potter's arrival could inject the belief and structure required to make that possible. If six higher-ranked teams qualify automatically, Sweden could gain a second chance to reach the finals.
Potter's first challenge will be a must-win game against group leaders Switzerland next month. In the event that he helps Sweden achieve qualification, his contract would be extended to include the finals next summer.
This appointment marks a fresh start for Potter after a challenging period in English football. His deep understanding of Swedish football, combined with his track record of success in the country, provides a foundation for optimism as he embarks on this new chapter in his managerial career. The Swedish FA and fans alike will be hoping that Potter can work his magic once again and guide the national team to the 2026 World Cup.
