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Sweden will take on Greece in an international friendly on Thursday, 4 June, as the hosts finalise their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Sweden are competing in just their second World Cup since 2006 this summer, while Greece are having to watch from the sidelines for the third edition in a row, having last qualified in 2014.
Read our Sweden vs Greece prediction, preview and betting tips below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Sweden vs Greece key stats
- Sweden have won two of their last three matches.
- Greece have failed to win any of their last three matches.
- Both teams have scored in each of Sweden's last five matches.
Sweden vs Greece preview: A must-win for the hosts
| Sweden | vs | Greece |
|---|---|---|
| 38th | FIFA Ranking | 47th |
| Victor Lindelöf (76) | Most Caps | Giorgos Masouras (58) |
| Viktor Gyokeres (19) | Most Goals | Giorgos Masouras (10) |
| 509 | Total Caps | 576 |
| 66 | Total Goals | 38 |
| 1 | Uncapped Players | 2 |
It may seem silly to call an international friendly match a must-win for any side, but as this is Sweden's final game before their World Cup campaign begins on 15 June, some positivity is needed.
Graham Potter's side were humbled by Norway at the weekend, and a 3-1 defeat flattered them. Potter himself admitted that they must improve if they are to do themselves justice at the World Cup, and this is effectively their last chance to show that they are capable of said improvement.
Sweden's route to the World Cup has been unusual, to say the least. They failed to win a single one of their qualifying matches, but a strong performance in the UEFA Nations League earned them a place in the playoffs. They then sprung into life to defeat Ukraine and Poland and are now preparing for their first World Cup since 2018.
For the match against Greece, Potter will be desperate to see his best XI in action. Whether that means rushing back the likes of Victor Lindelof and Viktor Gyokeres remains to be seen.
As for Greece, this match is nothing more than some light preparation for the upcoming UEFA Nations League in September.
Ivan Jovanovic's goal has always likely been to qualify for the more attainable Euro 2028 rather than the World Cup, but only picking up two wins in their qualifying group was certainly a disappointment.
In truth, Greece's group was ‘qualifyable' from. With no disrespect to Scotland, Greece have defeated them twice in recent years, so the fact that the Scots went through as group winners will sting a little bit in the Greek camp.
Jovanovic will be without his captain Tasos Bakasetas for the match against Sweden, but pressure is starting to mount so he won't be taking too many chances with his squad selection.
Sweden vs Greece form guide & betting tips
| Sweden | vs | Greece |
|---|---|---|
L
D
W
W
L
|
Form |
L
W
D
L
D
|
| 9 | Goals For | 5 |
| 12 | Goals Against | 6 |
L
W
W
W
L
|
International Friendly form |
W
W
W
L
D
|
Whispers Predicts: Sweden 2-1 Greece
Sweden have more incentive to go out and get a win here, particularly in front of their home fans in the national stadium. Sweden to win has been best priced at 21/20.
Both teams have scored in three of the last five meetings between Sweden and Greece. BTTS has been priced at 4/5..
Alexander Isak scored off the bench against Norway last time out. Isak to score anytime has been priced at 6/4.
> Sweden to win at 1.1 (2.00) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS at 4/5 (1.80) | Likelihood: Probable
> Isak to score anytime at 6/4 (2.50) | Likelihood: Possible