Alexander Isak will see coach in 'cowboy hat' after getting timely boost

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Iraq claimed the 48th and final place at the World Cup 2026 after defeating Bolivia 2-1, while Bosnia and Herzegovina shocked four-time champion Italy on penalties to complete the tournament field

Thomas Blow Deputy Editor and Carlos Rodriguez, Associated Press

08:05, 01 Apr 2026

Alexander Isak is set to play at the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)

The 48-team line-up for FIFA's largest ever World Cup is now finalized, following a qualifying process that lasted over two and a half years.

And Alexander Isak, injury permitting, will be there. The Liverpool striker hasn't played since suffering a serious leg injury against Tottenham in December, but he is close to making his return to first-team action.

Isak will be hoping to end the season strongly and play at this year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. His country, Sweden, will be there after securing a 3-2 victory against Poland on Tuesday. Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres scored an 88th-minute winner to send Sweden to the World Cup.

Isak's international coach is former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter. The Englishman reacted to his team's victory by promising to dust off his cowboy hat for the World Cup.

Potter described the win as an "incredible" feeling before adding: "I'm going to have a beer and then think, 'Wow, we're going to Dallas.' I'll have to dust off my cowboy hat, won't I?"

Potter added: "We weren't perfect, but who cares? We're going to the World Cup, baby. Wow. Yeah, I can't analyze it."

Graham Potter has led Sweden to the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)

Elsewhere, Iraq secured the 48th spot at the World Cup by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in an intercontinental playoff at Monterrey in northern Mexico on Tuesday, just hours after Bosnia and Herzegovina surprised four-time champion Italy on penalties in Europe.

Eight European teams were vying for four spots on the final day of qualifying.

The new intercontinental tournament held in Mexico determined the remaining two places. Congo was the penultimate nation to advance, narrowly beating Jamaica 1-0 in extra time at Guadalajara, Mexico.

Sweden, Turkey and the Czech Republic each qualified in the European playoff finals. Turkey narrowly beat Kosovo 1-0, while the Czech Republic defeated Denmark in a penalty shootout.

The World Cup commences on 11 June. With its stunning upset victory over Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina qualified to join Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B.

Sweden will compete in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia. Turkey will be in Group D with the United States, Paraguay and Australia.

After reaching its first World Cup since 2006, the Czech team will play in Group A with Mexico, South Africa and South Korea. The World Cup qualifiers for the 2026 tournament began on 7 September 2023 with matches in South America.