Isak and Gyokeres named in Sweden World Cup squad

Breaking news from the world of sport: Isak and Gyokeres named in Sweden World Cup squadImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Alexander Isak (left) has 16 goals for Sweden, with Viktor Gyokeres scoring 19ByMichael EmonsBBC Sport journalistPublished13 minutes agoArsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres and Liverpool forward Alexander Isak have been named in Sweden's World Cup squad. However, the summer's tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States has come too soon for Tottenham forward Dejan Kulusevski, who misses out having not played this season because of a knee injury. Sweden coach Graham Potter said it was difficult to leave out the 26-year-old.

"A very, very difficult decision in terms of where he has been and what he's done over the last year, where he's at in terms of his rehab with four and a half weeks to go to that first game," Potter told a news conference. Isak, 26, has also had an injury-hit campaign and has only started eight league matches for Liverpool since his £125m British record transfer from Newcastle last summer. "We obviously hope he finishes the season in Liverpool with some game time," added Potter.

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"Our challenge is to get Alex in the best moment of the season and for him to hit top form, because if he does, he's a world-class player. "Sweden endured a miserable qualifying campaign, finishing bottom of their group with two points, but their performance in the Nations League gave them a second chance and wins over Ukraine and Poland in the play-offs took them to the finals. "It's incredibly exciting - a huge honour for me," said Potter, who became Sweden manager in October.

"The positive response from our supporters has been fantastic, and now we're looking forward to creating more memories together during the World Cup. " Gyokeres and Isak are two of 11 British-based players in the squad, which also includes goalkeepers Viktor Johansson (Stoke) and Jacob Widell Zetterstrom (Derby) and defenders Hjalmar Ekdal (Burnley), Gabriel Gudmundsson (Leeds) and Victor Lindelof (Aston Villa). Midfielders Yasin Ayari and Lucas Bergvall, who play for Brighton and Tottenham respectively have also been named, as have Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga and Celtic forward Benjamin Nygren.

Sweden are in Group F and play Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico on 14 June (03:00 BST, 15 June) before two games in the United States - against the Netherlands in Houston on 20 June and Japan in Dallas five days later (00:00 BST, 26 June). The World Cup line-up is complete - here's what you need to know Published1 AprilWorld Cup 2026: A guide to the 16 stadiums in the USA, Canada & Mexico 50 days until World Cup - pick your favourite kits Published22 AprilBBC to show Scotland's first World Cup game since 1998 Published10 December 2025Sweden World Cup squadGoalkeepers: Viktor Johansson (Stoke City), Kristoffer Nordfeldt (AIK), Jacob Widell Zetterstrom (Derby County).

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.