The Swedish national soccer team conducted an open practice session for fans in Frisco just days before their inaugural match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event allowed over 2,000 fans, many with connections to Sweden, to witness the team’s preparations firsthand.
Utilizing FC Dallas’ stadium as their training base, Team Sweden welcomed local supporters on Tuesday morning. Tickets for the event were distributed through a lottery system, providing an opportunity for Frisco residents and season ticket holders of FC Dallas to attend.
Among the attendees was defender Herman Johansson, a professional player for FC Dallas, who joined the national squad on May 30. “I recognize a lot of things here, so I’ve been able to offer some tips to the guys, which has been beneficial,” Johansson commented.
Ranked 38th in the world, Sweden is making its first World Cup appearance since 2018, when they reached the quarterfinals. The team’s current preparations include acclimatizing to the warmer conditions expected during the tournament at AT&T Stadium.
Fans in attendance expressed their excitement and personal connections to Sweden. Carita Westbrook, who has Swedish roots, shared, “I live in the North Texas area, Grapevine, but my mom is Swedish, and her grandparents came from Sweden.” James Wikman, a visitor to Sweden, remarked on his enthusiasm, stating, “We’re very excited to see the Swedes here.”
Forward Gustaf Nilsson conveyed the team’s eagerness for the tournament’s commencement, saying, “It’s been a long wait, first in Sweden and now here, and we are looking forward to the games.” Johansson added that the team has been training in various environments to adapt to the heat, noting, “They’ve prepared us for the heat, and it has been good for the teams to prepare us.”
Since their arrival on Saturday, the team has also sampled some Texas barbecue, although Johansson emphasized their primary focus on upcoming matches. “Right now we are in focus mode. It’s hard to enjoy everything, but I’m trying to balance both,” he said.
The FIFA World Cup officially kicks off on Thursday, June 11, with the first match in North Texas scheduled for Sunday, June 14, featuring Japan against the Netherlands at Dallas Stadium. Sweden’s first match in Dallas Stadium will take place on Thursday, June 25, against Japan. The team will also face Tunisia in Mexico on June 14 and the Netherlands in Houston on June 20.
