FC Barcelona’s teenage sensation Roony Bardghji has received his first senior international call-up for Sweden as head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson finalizes his squad for two must-win 2026 World Cup qualifying matches. The 19-year-old winger is set to bring fresh energy to a national team desperate to turn their campaign around after a difficult September.
Bardghji’s Breakthrough Season Pays Off
Since his high-profile summer move from FC Copenhagen to LaLiga giants Barcelona, Bardghji has quickly begun making a name for himself. The right-winger, who was born in Kuwait and came through Malmö’s academy before heading to Denmark, has already appeared three times under Hansi Flick — including two starts — despite stiff competition in a star-studded squad.
Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson praised Bardghji’s rapid development and fearless mindset.
“It’s impressive that someone so young is getting minutes at a club like Barcelona. He has the hunger and drive we want in this team,” said Tomasson. “He’s still developing, but he’s showing he can handle the pressure.”
Sweden’s World Cup Hopes Hang in the Balance
Bardghji’s debut comes at a critical moment for the Swedish national team. Following a disappointing international window in September — where they conceded a late equalizer to Slovenia and then suffered a shock defeat to Kosovo — Sweden finds themselves third in Group C, trailing leaders Switzerland by five points.
To keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive, nothing less than six points from the upcoming home fixtures — against Switzerland on Friday, October 10 and Kosovo on Monday, October 13 — will suffice. Sweden’s margin for error has all but vanished.
Notable Absences and Squad Headlines
While Bardghji’s inclusion adds spark to the squad, the headlines have also focused on key absences. Long-time goalkeeper Robin Olsen has stepped away from international duty, reportedly due to a fractured relationship with Tomasson. Additionally, Tottenham Hotspur star Dejan Kulusevski misses out due to a knee injury.
On the bright side, Sweden can still count on attacking firepower with Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres both fit and available. Young talents like Anthony Elanga and Jordan Larsson also feature, promising a dynamic front line.
Full Sweden Squad for October 2025 Qualifiers:
Goalkeepers: Viktor Johansson, Kristoffer Nordfeldt, Noel Tornqvist
Defenders: Gabriel Gudmundsson, Hjalmar Ekdal, Isak Hien, Emil Holm, Carl Starfelt, Victor Lindelöf, Ken Sema, Daniel Svensson, Gustaf Lagerbielke
Midfielders: Yasin Ayari, Roony Bardghji, Alexander Bernhardsson, Jesper Karlström, Hugo Larsson, Anton Saletros, Lucas Bergvall, Niclas Eliasson
Forwards: Anthony Elanga, Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak, Jordan Larsson, Benjamin Nygren
