The more optimistic fans pointed to the last time the World Cup was played in North America, when Sweden finished third at USA '94, losing only to eventual winners Brazil. Graham Potter's side are still in with a chance of going on a similar run this time, having navigated the Group Stage. But who are they likely to face in the knockout rounds? In this article, Flashscore takes a look at Sweden's potential opponents in the latter stages.
Sweden's Group Stage results
Sweden won one, lost one and drew one of their Group F matches at the World Cup, winning their opening match in Mexico before facing tougher tests in Texas.
15th June, 04:00 CEST: Sweden 5-1 Tunisia - Monterrey, Mexico
20th June, 19: CEST: Netherlands 5-1 Sweden - Houston, TX
26th June, 01:00 CEST: Japan 1-1 Sweden - Arlington, TX
Those results were enough for Sweden to finish third and be among the eight best third-placed teams across the 12 groups, meaning they reached the Round of 32.
Sweden's Round of 32 opponents
Sweden finished third in Group F and progressed. Once more groups had completed their final round of matches, it was confirmed that Sweden would face two-time champions France in the first knockout round.
Match 77 - Tuesday, 30th June, 23:00 CEST: vs France vs Sweden - New Jersey
Sweden's potential Round of 16 opponents
If Sweden beat France, they will play in the following game:
Match 89 - Saturday July 4th, 23:00 CEST: Winner of Match 74 (Germany vs Group D/F third place) in Philadelphia
Sweden's potential Quarter-final opponents
If Sweden reach the Quarter-finals, would feature in the match in Boston:
Match 97 - Thursday 9th July, 22:00 CEST: vs Winner of Match 90 in Boston
Semi-finals, Third-place Play-off and Final
If Sweden reach the Semi-finals having finished third in their group, they would feature in the first of two semi-finals.
Match 101 - Tuesday 14th July, 21:00 CEST: Semi-final in Arlington
The dates and times for the Third-place Play-off and World Cup Final are as follows:
Match 103 - Saturday 18th July, 23:00 CEST: Third-place Play-off in Miami
Match 104 - Sunday 19th July, 21:00 CEST: World Cup Final in New Jersey