Graham Potter Takes Charge as Sweden's New National Football Team Coach
Graham Potter has been named Sweden's new national football team coach, tasked with leading the nation to the 2026 World Cup despite a challenging qualification start.
- • Graham Potter appointed head coach of Sweden's national football team starting October 20, 2025.
- • Tasked with leading Sweden's qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup after a poor start under previous coach Jon Dahl Tomasson.
- • Potter's contract extends through qualifiers and to the World Cup if Sweden qualifies.
- • Potter has coaching experience in both Sweden and England, including Östersund and West Ham.
- • Swedish Football Association officials express confidence in Potter's leadership and tactics.
Key details
Graham Potter has officially been appointed as the head coach of Sweden's national football team, starting his tenure on October 20, 2025. He replaces Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was dismissed following Sweden's poor start in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, earning just one point in four matches. Potter's primary mission is to steer Sweden toward qualification for the 2026 World Cup, a goal he is committed to achieving despite the team currently sitting last in their qualification group.
Potter, 50, brings a wealth of experience, having previously coached in Sweden with Östersund from 2011 to 2018 and managing several English clubs, including West Ham. He expressed enthusiasm and a deep sense of responsibility, stating, "I am incredibly inspired. Sweden has fantastic players. I will help us become a really good team and make it to the World Cup."
His contract covers the remainder of the current qualification campaign, including upcoming matches against Switzerland and Slovenia in November, and will extend to include the World Cup if Sweden qualifies. Simon Åström, chairman of the Swedish Football Association, praised the swift and structured decision to appoint Potter, underscoring the commitment to optimizing the team's chances. Kim Källström, the football chief at SvFF, lauded Potter's leadership and tactical prowess, anticipating that he will effectively unite the team and maximize the players' strengths.
Potter's immediate focus will be the crucial matches ahead, with hopes high that his leadership will revitalize Sweden's campaign and secure a spot in next summer's World Cup.