The Swedish Football Association has confirmed the appointment of Graham Potter, former manager of Chelsea and Brighton, as the new head coach of the Sweden national team.
Potter’s appointment follows the dismissal of Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was sacked on October 14 after a disappointing start to Sweden’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. The team managed just one point from four matches, leaving them bottom of Group B and goalless in their last three games.
The 50-year-old Englishman has been tasked with reviving Sweden’s qualification hopes, beginning with their upcoming fixtures against Switzerland and Slovenia in November. His contract will also cover a potential playoff round in March, and should Sweden qualify, it will automatically extend through the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“The goal is to create the best possible conditions to reach the World Cup in the summer of 2026,” the Swedish FA said in an official statement.
Reacting to his appointment, Potter said he is both humbled and inspired by the challenge ahead.
“I am very humbled by this assignment, but also incredibly inspired. Sweden has fantastic players who perform week after week in some of the world’s best leagues,” he said.
Despite having attacking talents like Alexander Isak (Newcastle United) and Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal), Sweden’s recent performances have been underwhelming, marked by poor finishing and a lack of cohesion.
Potter’s return to Sweden represents a homecoming of sorts. He previously managed Östersund FK from 2011 to 2018, guiding the small club from the lower leagues to the Swedish top flight and even into European competition, earning widespread praise for his tactical style and player development.
After his success in Sweden, Potter went on to manage Swansea City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, and most recently, West Ham United, where he was dismissed in September 2025.
Now back where his managerial rise began, Potter aims to rebuild both Sweden’s fortunes and his own career as he leads the team on their road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
