The Swedish Football Association (SvFF) has announced the appointment of former Chelsea manager Graham Potter as the new head coach of the Sweden national team, following the dismissal of Jon Dahl Tomasson last week.
Tomasson’s contract was terminated on October 14 after Sweden managed just one point from four games in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, suffering three consecutive defeats.
In a statement released on Monday, the Swedish FA confirmed that Potter, 50, has signed a contract covering the remainder of the qualifying period, which includes upcoming fixtures against Switzerland and Slovenia in November, and a possible playoff in March. The deal will automatically extend to the World Cup finals should Sweden qualify.
“The goal is to create the optimal conditions to reach the World Cup in the summer of 2026,”
— Swedish FA statement.
Potter, who was sacked by Premier League side West Ham United in September, expressed excitement and humility about taking on the role.
“I am very humble facing this assignment, but also incredibly inspired. Sweden has fantastic players who deliver week after week in the world’s best leagues,”
— Graham Potter.
Despite boasting attacking talents like Alexander Isak of Liverpool and Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal, Sweden have struggled in front of goal — failing to score in their last three matches and currently sitting bottom of Group B.
Potter is no stranger to Swedish football, having previously managed Östersunds FK between 2011 and 2018, guiding them from the lower divisions to the top-flight Allsvenskan and into European competition — a feat that made him one of English football’s most promising managerial exports.
After his success in Sweden, Potter went on to manage Swansea City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, and most recently West Ham, where he endured a challenging nine-month spell before being relieved of his duties.
The English tactician will now be tasked with revitalising Sweden’s World Cup hopes and restoring confidence to a team desperate to return to the global stage in 2026.
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