Gyokeres: Improved atmosphere in Sweden camp will improve World Cup bid

Viktor Gyokeres believes the improved mood inside the Sweden camp since Graham Potter’s arrival will stand them in good stead during their bid for a World Cup spot.

Gyokeres is featuring for the Swedish national team for the first time under Potter, having missed the November break through injury, and returns at a key time for his nation.

Sweden travel to Estadio Ciudad de Valencia for their play-off semi-final against Ukraine, with the winner facing Poland or Albania for a spot at FIFA’s flagship competition.

Gyokeres is expected to lead the line for Sweden with Liverpool’s Alexander Isak out injured, though the 27-year-old has struggled on the international stage of late.

During Sweden’s dismal World Cup qualifying campaign, where they finished bottom of Group B, the Arsenal striker managed just one assist in his four matches.

He did, however, net nine goals in six matches during their Nations League campaign in 2024, and it was their result in that tournament which saw them rewarded with a spot in the World Cup play-offs.

Gyokeres has already felt a different atmosphere under Potter than the one he felt previously with Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was sacked in October.

“It’s more positive, but, of course, it’s been a few months since then,” Gyokeres told reporters.

“We’ve tried to put it behind us and focus on this match we have here, and hopefully another one in Stockholm in a few days.

“It’s different with Graham and all the other new members of the coaching staff. It’s easier to put the games from last autumn behind us.

“Plus, we have a good chance of reaching the World Cup.”

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— Svensk Fotboll (@svenskfotboll) March 23, 2026

Gyokeres arrives into the clash off the back of Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the EFL Cup final, but the Swede has been in fine form since the turn of the year.

Only Igor Thiago, Joao Pedro (both eight) and Benjamin Sesko (seven) have scored more Premier League goals in 2026 than Gyokeres’ six.

Sweden will be hoping to get Gyokeres at his best, as they aim to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2018, when they reached the quarter-finals in Qatar.

“I don’t think about it too much. When you play so many important games, you focus on just trying to do your best,” Gyokeres added on the pressure of leading Sweden’s attack.

“As a striker, you always want to go out and score goals. The match is extremely important. It’s a tough match. It could be a match where not many chances are created.

“That’s what counts. We’ll try to go in and get the momentum we want and create good chances.”