A final test before the big tournament: prediction for Sweden vs Greece - 04.06.2026
One of Thursday's friendly clashes will see Sweden take on Greece. For Graham Potter's side, this is the last dress rehearsal before the World Cup, while the Greeks have already shifted their focus to preparing for the Nations League and are trying to bounce back after a disappointing qualifying campaign.
Sweden: World Cup ticket secured, but nerves remain
Sweden booked their place at the World Cup via the playoffs, first beating Ukraine 3-1 and then edging past Poland 3-2 in the decisive qualifier. For Potter, it was a crucial vote of confidence, but recent weeks have exposed the team's vulnerability off the ball.
The 1-3 defeat to Norway was a worrying sign, especially given that the opposition were 3-0 up by the 37th minute and played without Erling Haaland. Sweden haven't kept a single clean sheet in five matches under Potter, conceding 11 goals, and with a World Cup group featuring the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia, those numbers look dangerous.
Greece: Missed opportunity and a silent attack
Greece suffered a painful exit in qualifying, finishing third in a group with Scotland and Denmark. After a bright Nations League run, including a historic win over England at Wembley in October 2024, Ivan Jovanović's men failed to build on that momentum and once again missed out on the World Cup.
The main issue now is up front: Greece have failed to score in three consecutive matches. The 0-1 loss to Paraguay was sandwiched between goalless draws with Belarus and Hungary, so even a solid midfield structure can't make up for their lack of cutting edge in the final third.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Sweden have won only two of their last nine matches since September 2025, despite navigating the playoffs successfully.
- Greece have drawn a blank in three straight games: against Belarus, Paraguay, and Hungary.
- The last meeting between these sides was in October 2021, when Sweden beat Greece 2-1 at home in World Cup qualifying.
Prediction
Sweden approach this match in a mixed state: on the one hand, they're gearing up for the World Cup and boast serious attacking firepower; on the other, Potter's defense has yet to inspire real confidence. The likely return of Alexander Isak adds quality up front, but Viktor Gyökeres, based on recent updates, will probably start on the bench at best. Greece will be motivated to prove that their qualifying disappointment doesn't reflect their true level. The visitors have enough discipline not to collapse, but their prolonged goal drought limits their ceiling in this encounter.
