It’s a return for him
He should save Sweden the World Cup
Updated 10/20/2025 – 5:31 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Graham Potter is tasked with saving Sweden’s World Cup hopes. The experienced Englishman takes over the football team after the dismissal of Jon Dahl Tomasson.
Sweden’s national team is under considerable pressure in the World Cup qualification. After a false start to the current group phase, an experienced Englishman is now supposed to initiate the turnaround: Graham Potter will be the Scandinavians’ new head coach. This was announced by the Swedish Football Association (SvFF).
The 50-year-old Potter succeeds Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was released just a few days ago. This was preceded by two consecutive defeats against Switzerland (0-2) and Kosovo (0-1), which had pushed Sweden back to last place in Group B. After four games, the team around the offensive forces Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres only has one point. In particular, the ongoing goal drought had recently caused unrest.
Potter should now bring new momentum. His contract is initially limited to March. If Sweden qualifies for the World Cup by then, the cooperation will be automatically extended. According to the association’s statement, Potter emphasized when he took office: “Together with the players, I want to make the fans’ dream of a World Cup summer come true.”
Returning to Sweden is not a first for the Englishman. Between 2011 and 2018 he coached the club Östersunds FK, which he led from the fourth division to European competitions. There he won the Swedish Cup in 2017 and also attracted international attention.
With Potter, Sweden is introducing a foreign national coach for the second time in a row. The association relies on his knowledge of the country and his experience with difficult starting points. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to achieve a World Cup turnaround with his selection.