Why Barcelona’s Roony Bardghji was left out of Sweden squad for crucial World Cup play-off against Poland
He didn’t even make the bench for the game.
VALENCIA, SPAIN - MARCH 26: Roony Bardghji of Sweden walks out to warm up prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Ukraine and Sweden at Ciutat de Valencia on March 26, 2026 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images Roony Bardghji has endured more frustration over the international break with Sweden. The Barcelona star complained about his lack of minutes at Camp Nou after being called up but didn’t feature in either of his country’s games against Poland and Ukraine.
The Barcelona forward wasn’t even in the match-day squad for the vital game against Poland that sealed Sweden’s place at World Cup 2026. Manager Graham Potter explained why he left Roony out of his selection for the must-win match. “It was a difficult decision.
We have a lot of players. We had Gustav (Lundgren) as an option on the right. We knew we had Besfort (Zeneli), Taha (Ali), Gustaf Nilsson, etc,” he said.
“Bardghji’s position was sold out. But everyone knows his qualities. That’s the difficult part of a coach’s job when there are many options, but you have to choose.