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Potter realistic about Sweden's chances
Arlington: Graham Potter said his Sweden team will be underdogs no matter who they face after sneaking into the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage on Thursday.
Sweden grabbed a place in the last 32 following a 1-1 draw with Japan in Group F to advance as one of the best third-placed finishers.

Sweden defeated Tunisia 5-1, then lost to the Netherlands by the same scoreline, before giving Japan a fright at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.

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It remains to be confirmed who they will play next and where, but France, Norway and Germany are all possibilities.

"Whoever we meet it's going be a top team, we know that. That's the World Cup, the challenge we have," said the English coach.

"So we're obviously looking forward to whoever we meet. I think we'll be underdog in the game, of course, and where we come from, and what we've done."
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"But it's just nice for us to be there, and we'll be ready, and we'll compete, and we'll try our best," added Potter, whose side needed a playoff to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026.

"We have to probably recover the players first and make sure that physically we're in a good place for whoever we play. We've got to be on our toes, I guess, in terms of logistics."

Sources: AFP, FIFA via Getty Images