Graham Potter, the former West Ham and Chelsea manager, is in advanced talks to become the head coach of the Sweden national football team. This appointment comes at a crucial time as Sweden struggles in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, currently bottom of Group B. Potter’s return to Swedish football is widely seen as a strategic move by the Swedish Football Association to revive the national team’s fortunes.
Background and Connection to Sweden
Potter, 50, has a deep-rooted connection to Swedish football. He managed Östersunds FK from 2011 to 2018, guiding the team from the fourth tier to the Allsvenskan, Sweden’s top league, and winning the Swedish Cup in 2017. His success there built his reputation for developing teams and nurturing talent. Potter has strong personal ties to Sweden, with two of his children born in the country, and has expressed enthusiasm for returning to coach the national side, emphasizing his love and respect for Swedish football culture.
After his tenure in Sweden, Potter managed Swansea City, Brighton & Hove Albion, and briefly Chelsea in the English Premier League. His managerial spells at Chelsea and West Ham ended within short periods amidst challenging results. Now, he is open to a short-term role with Sweden, where he believes he can make a meaningful impact.
Sweden’s Current Situation
Sweden’s national team under former coach Jon Dahl Tomasson endured a rough start in World Cup qualifying, accumulating just one point from four matches—a draw with Slovenia and losses to Kosovo and Switzerland. This poor performance led to Tomasson’s dismissal following a 1-0 home defeat to Kosovo. Despite the team’s attacking talents, including Liverpool’s Alexander Isak and Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres, Sweden has struggled to find the net, scoring only two goals in qualifiers, one of the lowest in the UEFA group stage. They now face an uphill battle to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with two upcoming qualifiers against Switzerland and Slovenia remaining.
Potter’s Role and Expectations
Potter’s deal with Sweden is initially short-term, lasting until March 2026. The focus will be on navigating the team through their final qualifiers and potentially playoffs to secure World Cup qualification. His experience in Swedish football, combined with his Premier League managerial background, equips him to handle this pressure.
Potter has stated that his next role must be one where he feels he can truly contribute and will be supported. His affinity for Sweden and understanding of its football culture are expected to help him quickly adapt and instill confidence within the squad.
Sweden’s World Cup Qualifying Group B Status (After 4 Matches)
| Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 10 |
| Slovenia | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 7 |
| Kosovo | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 7 |
| Sweden | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 1 |
Graham Potter’s Recent Managerial Record (Selected Clubs)
| Club | Tenure | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Östersunds FK | 2011–2018 | 260+ | N/A | N/A | N/A | Moderate* |
| Swansea City | 2018–2019 | 70+ | 30+ | 15+ | 20+ | ~45% |
| Brighton & Hove Albion | 2019–2022 | 140+ | 50+ | 30+ | 60+ | ~38% |
| Chelsea | 2022 | 40+ | 15+ | 8 | 17 | ~38% |
| West Ham United | 2024–2025 | 30+ | 6 | 9 | 15 | 20% |
*Exact stats for Östersunds vary due to lower leagues.
In conclusion, Sweden’s national team seeks salvation through Graham Potter, whose blend of local knowledge and international experience could be the catalyst for their World Cup qualifying revival. His appointment represents Sweden’s hope to return to major tournament contention, leveraging his tactical acumen and cultural ties for immediate impact.
This move is expected to unfold quickly, with Potter taking charge to deliver results during the final qualification stages and possibly beyond.