Sweden's history in the FIFA World Cup is marked by several memorable performances and a long tradition of competitive play. Sweden made its first appearance in the Football World Cup in 1934 in Italy. In this tournament, Sweden advanced to the quarterfinals, where they were defeated by Germany. This debut laid the foundation for Sweden's reputation as a strong footballing nation.
One of Sweden's best performances in the FIFA World Cup came in 1958 when they hosted the tournament. Sweden reached the final, where they faced Brazil in a historic match. Despite taking an early lead, Sweden lost 5-2 to Brazil, who were led by the young Pelé. This runner-up finish remains Sweden's best result in FIFA World Cup history. Another notable performance was in 1994 in the United States, where Sweden finished third after defeating Bulgaria 4-0 in the third-place match. These successes are highlights in Sweden's World Cup legacy.
Among Sweden's greatest players are legends like Gunnar Nordahl, Nils Liedholm, and Henrik Larsson. Gunnar Gren and Nils Liedholm were key figures in Sweden's 1958 run to the final, while Henrik Larsson was a crucial player in the 1994 campaign. Zlatan Ibrahimović, although never able to lead Sweden deep into the tournament, is another iconic figure in Swedish football and one of the country's most celebrated players.
As for coaches, George Raynor is often regarded as one of Sweden's best, having led the team to the final in 1958. His ability to bring out the best in his players and guide Sweden to their greatest FIFA World Cup achievement is still remembered fondly in Swedish football history. Sweden's top goal scorer in the World Cup is Tomas Brolin, who was instrumental in Sweden's 1994 campaign, scoring three goals in that tournament. Brolin's performances were critical in helping Sweden secure third place, and he remains one of the most iconic figures in Swedish FIFA World Cup history.
Sweden has never won a FIFA World Cup, but their consistent performances, including a runner-up finish in 1958 and a third-place finish in 1994, demonstrate their ability to compete at the highest level.
In the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, Sweden did not qualify for the tournament. After a strong qualification campaign, they were eliminated in the playoffs, losing to Poland in the final playoff match. This was a disappointment for the Swedish team, which had been aiming to build on their strong showing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals.
Looking ahead to the FIFA 2026 World Cup, Sweden will be eager to return to the tournament and make an impact. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, Sweden will be looking to once again compete at the highest level and potentially replicate the successes of their storied past. The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will provide an opportunity for Sweden to showcase their footballing pedigree on the global stage.