The World Cup is just around the corner, and national teams are finalizing their rosters for the tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. This week, Sweden announced its squad, bringing a mix of excitement and concern for fans. The highlight: young midfielder Lucas Bergvall has earned his first World Cup call-up under head coach Graham Potter—a sentence that still feels surreal to write. But the news comes with a heavy blow—star winger Dejan Kulusevski has been left out, raising serious questions about his recovery from a devastating knee injury.
Bergvall, just 20 years old, has carved out a solid role with Tottenham this season. While he hasn't quite blossomed into the next Martin Ødegaard as some hoped, his steady growth and versatility have made him a valuable asset. Being named to Sweden's World Cup squad is a major milestone for the youngster. He may not see much playing time in a group that includes the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia, but the experience alone could be transformative. If he can make "The Leap" this summer, Spurs fans might see a midfield dynamo next season.
As for Kulusevski, his absence is a stark reminder of the brutal reality of sports injuries. It's been over a year since Marc Guehi's studs shattered his patella in a match against Crystal Palace on May 10, 2025. Deki hasn't played a single minute since, and while it's understandable that he hasn't earned a spot, the omission suggests his recovery is far from complete. This leaves fans wondering: how much longer will he be sidelined, and can he ever return to his best form?
Sweden kicks off their World Cup campaign on June 14 against Tunisia in Guadalupe, Mexico. With a tough group and a roster blending youth and experience, all eyes will be on Bergvall to see if he can seize his moment on the global stage.
