Swedes Rally Behind Norway in World Cup After National Team's Exit

Following Sweden's elimination from the 2026 World Cup in the round of 16, a strong majority of the Swedish public has shifted their support to neighboring Norway, which has advanced to the quarter-finals. A recent survey by Verian conducted for SVT Sport reveals that 73% of Swedes are positive about Norway's success, with 48% expressing they are "very positive." Only 11% of respondents wished for Norway to be knocked out, although this figure rises to 26% among those with a keen interest in the tournament. The survey, which included 1,018 individuals aged 18 to 84 and was conducted between July 6 and 7, also highlights a gender difference: 16% of men hope for Norway's elimination compared to just 6% of women. Norway's impressive World Cup run includes a notable victory over Brazil in the round of 16, setting up a quarter-final match against England on July 8 at 23:00 Swedish time. Sweden's exit came after an uneven group stage, starting with a commanding 5-1 win against Tunisia, followed by a draw with Japan and a 0-3 loss to France in the knockout phase. The public's support for Norway underscores a regional solidarity in the tournament, as Norwegians aim for a potential semi-final against Argentina or Switzerland. This shift in fan allegiance captures the spirit of Nordic unity as the tournament progresses.