Published on 6/27/2026
In a strange scene that does not occur often, the Swedish national team found itself training in preparation for the 2026 World Cup final amid the rubble and ruins of demolition and reconstruction.
Under the blazing sun in the city of Frisco, north of Dallas, the Scandinavian national team held its training camp on the grounds of Toyota Stadium, which is currently undergoing a comprehensive renovation phase to usher in a “new era” by 2028. But the preparations were not without excitement and danger, after the stadium was exposed to a sudden collapse of one of the stands as a result of an error in the removal operations.
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Runway collapses in the ‘wrong direction’
According to the French website RMC, the incident surprised the players upon their arrival, as Swedish striker Besfurt Zenli told the German newspaper BILD, saying: “I was just wondering: What happened here? As far as I know, there was no storm! I later heard that part of the stands collapsed on the wrong side during the demolition operations.”
For his part, the team’s sporting director, Stefan Peterson, reassured the fans and the media, stressing that there were no casualties. He explained the details of the incident, saying: “They were trying to demolish part of the facility, and it appears that the concrete block fell in the wrong direction. Perhaps they used an explosive device and something went wrong in the calculations. Despite the strangeness, we can use the stadium and the rest of the facilities normally and completely safely.”
A logistical challenge and an anticipated fiery confrontation
Despite this unusual logistical challenge, coach Graham Potter’s men remain fully focused on the enormous task that awaits them next Tuesday, June 30, when they face the French national team in the round of 32 of the World Cup at 11:00 pm, French time.
Sweden had reserved its place in the knockout rounds as one of the best teams that occupied third place, after a wavering march in the group stage that witnessed:
- A wide victory over Tunisia with a score of (5-1).
- An exciting positive draw against Japan (1-1).
- A heavy and harsh defeat at the hands of the Netherlands, with a score of (5-1).
An arduous journey towards the final stadium
The Swedes’ troubles will not be limited to the crumbling walls of the Dallas Stadium. Rather, the mission will have to undertake a long and arduous flight towards the East Coast, specifically to New York, where the anticipated match will be held in “East Rutherford” on the field of the historic stadium nominated to host the final match of the tournament.
On the other hand, the French team seems to have a relative advantage in terms of mobility, as its stable training camp is located in the city of Boston, not far from the site of the awaited football match.
