Sweden World Cup 2026 Odds, Squad & Fixtures

Sweden World Cup 2026 betting odds

Sweden are 6/4 to qualify from Group F after a rollercoaster start — a stunning 5-1 demolition of Tunisia followed by a 1-5 thrashing by the Netherlands. Graham Potter’s side sit third on three points and now meet Japan in a winner-takes-much decider. For the wider market, see our World Cup winner odds guide.

Sweden to win Group F odds

Top spot is a long shot at 16/1 with the Netherlands and Japan both on four points and Sweden needing results to go their way. Second place — or a best third-placed berth — is the realistic target.

Sweden to qualify from Group F

At 6/4 Sweden are slight underdogs to go through. Level on three points but with everything to play for, they realistically need to beat Japan in Arlington to take second; Japan need only a point, which is why the Swedes are against the head. A high-scoring side, they remain capable of the win that would send them through — with a best third-placed finish a possible back-up under the 48-team format.

Sweden top scorer odds

Viktor Gyökeres, on the mark against Tunisia, leads Sweden’s challenge in the Golden Boot market, with strike partner Alexander Isak and midfielder Yasin Ayari — a two-goal hero in the opener — the other threats.

Odds correct as of 20 June 2026 and subject to change — always confirm the live price before betting. For the full outright market, group winners and golden-boot specials, see our World Cup 2026 betting hub.

World Cup 2026 group and fixtures

Sweden’s World Cup 2026 has swung from one extreme to the other. A 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia sent them top, before a 1-5 defeat to the Netherlands dropped Graham Potter’s side to third on three points. They close against Japan in a decider, with the top two and the eight best third-placed sides advancing under the 48-team format.

Group F standings

Standings as of 20 June 2026 — after Matchday 2 (Netherlands 5-1 Sweden, Tunisia 0-4 Japan). The Netherlands and Japan lead on four points; Sweden are third and Tunisia eliminated. Top two plus the eight best third-placed sides advance.

Sweden World Cup 2026 squad

Potter’s squad is built around an elite strike pair — Liverpool’s Alexander Isak and Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres — with captain Victor Lindelöf marshalling the defence and Yasin Ayari and Mattias Svanberg providing energy in midfield.

Team news: Both Isak and Gyökeres scored in the opening rout of Tunisia; Anthony Elanga grabbed Sweden’s consolation against the Netherlands. Dejan Kulusevski misses the tournament through injury. The numbers below are the confirmed FIFA squad list.

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

How Sweden will play

Potter sets Sweden up in a 3-5-2 designed to get Isak and Gyökeres on the ball together, with wing-backs providing the width and Ayari and Karlström driving from midfield. Against Tunisia it was devastating, but the Netherlands exposed the system’s defensive frailties in a chastening 1-5 loss. Sweden must rediscover their attacking sharpness — and tighten up at the back — to get past Japan.

Predicted XI (3-5-2)

Predicted starting XI — 3-5-2, based on the side that beat Tunisia. Captain: Victor Lindelöf.

Manager: Graham Potter

The English coach, a former Brighton and Chelsea manager who made his name with Östersund in Sweden, took charge of the national team and has them playing fluid, front-foot football. After a 5-1 high and a 1-5 low, his task is to settle a side that has shown both its ceiling and its fragility.

Captain: Victor Lindelöf

The experienced defender is Sweden’s captain and the anchor of Potter’s back three. A composed, reliable presence, he leads a side built around the goals of its star forwards — and must steady a defence shipped five against the Dutch.

Sweden players to watch at World Cup 2026

Viktor Gyökeres — Forward

The Arsenal striker is Sweden’s talisman, having fired them through the play-offs. On the scoresheet against Tunisia, he leads their Golden Boot betting.

Alexander Isak — Forward

The Liverpool forward forms a fearsome partnership with Gyökeres and was also on target in the opener — Sweden’s other elite goal threat.

Yasin Ayari — Midfielder

The standout performer against Tunisia with two long-range strikes, the young midfielder gives Sweden drive and goals from deep.

How Sweden qualified for World Cup 2026

Sweden came through the European play-offs to reach a first World Cup since 2018, Gyökeres and Isak firing them back to the global stage under Graham Potter.

Sweden’s World Cup history

Sweden’s finest hour came as hosts in 1958, reaching the final before losing to a Pelé-inspired Brazil. They also finished third in 1950 and 1994, and reached the 2018 quarter-finals — a proud tournament history they will look to honour with this talented attack.

Head-to-head record

Sweden vs Tunisia

The 5-1 win in Guadalupe was a statement opener — Ayari’s brace, plus goals from Isak, Gyökeres and Svanberg, blew Tunisia away, with Rekik’s header a mere consolation.

Sweden vs Netherlands

The 1-5 defeat in Houston was a brutal reality check — Anthony Elanga’s goal was a lone bright spot as the Dutch ran riot to leave Sweden chasing qualification.

Sweden vs Japan

Sweden close the group against Japan in Arlington in a effective shoot-out for a knockout place — a game they likely need to win.

Responsible gambling

Odds in this article are correct at the time of writing and are subject to change. Always check the latest prices on the bookmaker’s site before placing a bet.

18+ only. Bet responsibly. T&Cs apply. If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, free confidential help is available from BeGambleAware on 0808 8020 133.