Sweden’s Lindelöf in Tears: Star Player’s VM 2026 Injury Crisis Explained
Emil Lindelöf, Sweden’s World Cup-winning defender and captain, is facing a potential match absence in Sweden’s upcoming VM 2026 qualifier against England after a training session left him in tears, according to Swedish media reports. The 32-year-old, who played every minute of Sweden’s World Cup campaign in 2022, asked his team for a break during a group practice session, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the nation’s European Championship campaign.
What Happened During the Training Session?
Lindelöf, who plays for Manchester United in the Premier League, was seen in emotional distress during a group training session on Thursday afternoon, local time. According to Omni, the defender broke down in tears and reportedly asked his teammates, “Can we take a break?” before leaving the field. Sources close to the team indicate he was struggling with fatigue and possible muscle issues in his right thigh.
Swedish media outlets including Aftonbladet and SvenskaFans.com have reported that Lindelöf’s condition is being monitored closely, with team doctors assessing whether he will be fit for Sweden’s next international match—a VM 2026 qualifier against England on June 17 at Friends Arena in Solna.
The match against England is a critical fixture for Sweden, who are aiming to qualify for the final tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A win would keep their hopes alive in a competitive Group J, where they currently sit third behind England and Serbia.
Emil Lindelöf breaks down during Sweden training. The World Cup winner has been struggling with fitness concerns ahead of the England qualifier. #VM2026 #SWEENG
— GPVM (@GPVM_svepet) June 13, 2024
Why Lindelöf’s Fitness Matters for Sweden’s VM 2026 Campaign
Lindelöf is not just Sweden’s most experienced defender—he is the heart of their backline. The 6’5″ center-back has been a cornerstone of Sweden’s defense since the 2018 World Cup, where he formed a formidable partnership with Anton Lundqvist. His leadership and physicality have been crucial in Sweden’s recent success, including their World Cup run in 2022.
According to FIFA’s official rankings, Sweden currently sits 15th in the world, but their path to VM 2026 is far from guaranteed. The next three qualifiers—against England, Serbia, and Malta—will be decisive. Losing Lindelöf for even one of these matches would be a significant blow, particularly against England, who are managed by
