Graham Potter guided Sweden to World Cup qualification with an 88th-minute winner from Viktor Gyokeres against Poland, marking a triumphant return after managerial disappointments at Chelsea and West Ham. The emotional Stockholm celebration followed a career journey that began in Swedish football with Ostersunds FK, where Potter learned the language and developed his coaching philosophy.

Sweden will face Tunisia, Netherlands, and Japan in Group F, with Potter expecting key contributions from Liverpool forward Alexander Isak and Arsenal striker Gyokeres. The 27-year-old Gyokeres has already made significant impact with four goals in two qualification matches, while Isak has faced injury challenges following his £125m move from Newcastle to Liverpool.

Sweden will base themselves in Stockholm rather than traveling to San Diego like other teams, allowing players to recharge after a long club season. Potter described selection as involving the "toughest conversations as a father and human being" as Sweden prepares to make their return to the world's biggest stage after missing the 2022 tournament.