Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Sweden-Greece, likely lineups

Thursday evening at 7 p.m. the Strawberry Arena in Solna is preparing to host a fascinating showdown between Sweden and Greece. It is a friendly test with completely opposite motivations. If for the hosts this challenge represents the very last call to sort out tactical mechanisms before flying to North America for the 2026 World Cup, the Hellenes, big losers from the rainbow event, are already projected to the upcoming UEFA Nations League in September to get back on the road to qualifying for the European Championships.

Potter opts for a very compact and dense form in the middle of the field. In front of Nordfeldt, the three-man defensive line will be led by the experience of Lindelof, flanked by Lagerbielke and Hien. The thick midfield will see Johansson and Svensson act on the outside lanes, while the keys to maneuver will be entrusted to Bergvall, supported by the dynamism of Svanberg and Karlstrom. Up front, the attacking pair will be formed by Nilsson and star Isak.

Jovanovic responds with a four-man defense. Tzolakis will defend the posts, protected in the center by Retsos and Koulierakis, with Vagiannidis and Tsimikas in the role of full-backs. The midfield will consist of Triantis and Kourbelis, in front of the rearguard, while in the three-quarter, due to the absence of captain Bakasetas, there will be room for young Mouzakitis, who will act together with Masouras and Tzolis behind the only offensive terminal Pavlidis.

Probable lineup

Sweden (3-5-2): Nordfeldt; Lagerbielke, Hien, Lindelof; Johansson, Bergvall, Svanberg, Karlstrom Svensson, Svensson; Isak, Nilsson. All. Potter.

Greece (4-2-3-1): Tzolakis; Vagiannidis, Retsos, Koulierakis, Tsimikas; Triantis, Kourbelis; Masouras, Mouzakitis, Tzolis; Pavlidis. All. Jovanovic.