In a significant move for Swedish football, former West Ham United manager Graham Potter has been named the new head coach of the Swedish men’s national team. The announcement, made by the Swedish Football Association (SvFF) on October 20, 2025, comes as Sweden aims to revive its faltering 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. Potter, aged 50, has signed on for an initial short-term role, with the primary objective of steering the national team toward qualification for the global tournament set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
Potter, who was sacked by West Ham United in late September 2025, brings a wealth of experience and a strong reputation in Swedish football. His appointment follows a turbulent period for the national team, which has struggled in its World Cup qualifying group. The decision to bring Potter on board was prompted by the dismissal of former head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson, whose tenure ended after a 1-0 defeat to Kosovo on October 13, 2025. That loss eliminated Sweden’s chances of securing automatic qualification from Group B, leaving the team reliant on a potential play-off route to reach the World Cup.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Potter told the Swedish FA’s official website, “I am very humbled by the assignment, but also incredibly inspired. Sweden has fantastic players who deliver in the world’s best leagues during the week. My job will be to create the conditions so that we as a team deliver at the highest level to take Sweden to the World Cup next summer.” His words reflect a clear determination to harness the talent within the squad, which includes players competing in top European leagues, and translate their club form into success on the international stage.
Potter’s appointment has been met with optimism by the Swedish FA, with football director Kim Källström, a former international midfielder, praising the coach’s credentials. “It feels very good that Graham is coming in as the national coach for the men’s national team,” Källström stated. “We are all aware of the situation we are in and believe that with his leadership skills he will bring the team together in a good way. He is tactically skilled at creating conditions to win matches and has an ability to identify players’ strengths and how they interact in the best way.” Källström’s confidence underscores the belief that Potter’s tactical acumen and man-management skills can turn around Sweden’s fortunes.
Sweden’s path to the 2026 World Cup remains challenging but not impossible. Despite failing to secure a top-two finish in Group B, the team’s strong performance in the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League, where they topped their group, provides a lifeline. This success grants Sweden a potential play-off berth, offering Potter an opportunity to guide the team through a high-stakes qualification route. The play-offs will demand tactical discipline and unity, areas where Potter’s track record suggests he can excel.
Potter’s connection to Swedish football runs deep, making him a popular choice among fans and officials alike. Between 2011 and 2018, he managed Östersund FK, a club he transformed from a fourth-division side to a Swedish top-flight contender. During his tenure, Potter led Östersund to three promotions in four seasons, culminating in their first-ever appearance in the Allsvenskan, Sweden’s premier league. His crowning achievement came in 2017 when he guided the club to the Swedish Cup title, a historic triumph that also earned them a spot in the UEFA Europa League. In the 2017-18 Europa League campaign, Östersund reached the round of 32, notably defeating Galatasaray and holding Arsenal to a competitive tie, further cementing Potter’s reputation as a tactically astute and innovative coach.
After leaving Östersund in 2018, Potter moved to England, where he managed Swansea City, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Chelsea before taking the helm at West Ham United in January 2025. His time at West Ham, however, was less successful. A poor start to the 2025-26 Premier League season saw the Hammers lose five of their first six matches, leaving them in the relegation zone. Potter’s overall record at the club was six wins from 23 matches, a disappointing return that led to his dismissal. Despite this setback, his achievements in Sweden and his progressive approach to coaching have kept his stock high in his adopted homeland.
Potter’s immediate task will be to assess the squad and implement a strategy to maximize Sweden’s chances in the World Cup play-offs. The team boasts talents such as Manchester United’s Victor Lindelöf, Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, and Tottenham Hotspur’s Dejan Kulusevski, who have been performing well at their clubs. Potter’s challenge will be to foster cohesion and ensure these players gel as a unit, particularly under the pressure of knockout football.
The Swedish FA’s decision to appoint Potter reflects a blend of pragmatism and ambition. His familiarity with Swedish football, combined with his experience in high-pressure environments, makes him a logical choice to navigate the team through this critical juncture. Fans are hopeful that Potter can replicate the magic he worked at Östersund, where he turned underdogs into champions, and apply it to the national team.
As Sweden prepares for the play-offs, all eyes will be on Potter to deliver. His short-term contract suggests the FA is taking a cautious approach, but a successful qualification campaign could see him entrusted with a longer-term role. For now, Potter’s focus is clear: unite a talented squad, leverage their strengths, and secure Sweden’s place at the 2026 World Cup. With his tactical expertise and deep connection to Swedish football, Potter has the tools to make a significant impact, and the nation will be watching closely as he embarks on this new chapter.
