Sweden

Sweden are one of the more underrated sides at the tournament. Without Zlatan Ibrahimović for the first time in 20 years, they've actually found a more cohesive team identity — built around collective effort rather than one superstar. Which sounds like a consolation but is genuinely working.

Dejan Kulusevski of Tottenham and Alexander Isak of Newcastle are their best players — both Premier League regulars, both performing at a high level. Sweden with Premier League forwards is a different proposition than Sweden everyone remembers from ten years ago.

They're in Group F with Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia. Netherlands are strong favourites, but Sweden could realistically compete for second place if their defensive solidity holds up against Japan's pressing.

Sweden reached the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup without Zlatan — a result that surprised many and showed the squad had genuine quality that wasn't just about one player. The current generation continues that approach.

Swedish football historically produces technically disciplined, hard-working players — and the current squad reflects that well. They're not exciting in the way that gets people emotional, but they're effective in the way that wins tournament games.