Sweden have a slim chance they can secure a play-off spot in March by finishing in second. They cannot automatically qualify in top spot in Group B due to their dire start, which Potter will try to turn around.
Potter, 50, has been given the job on an initial two-game basis as he tries to land World Cup qualification ahead of next year’s competition. The Englishman will take charge of Sweden's final two qualifiers next month, travelling to face Switzerland before hosting Slovenia in what are two tough tests.
On Monday, the former West Ham boss was unveiled as Sweden's manager as he explained his World Cup ambitions and revealed his language skills, which he admits are a little rusty.
"First of all, I would like to thank the Swedish Football Association for this opportunity. I came to Sweden in 2011, with an opportunity in the fourth division of Swedish soccer (managing Ostersund). So, sitting here now, as the coach, is a great, great honour for me.
“If feels exciting, incredible. I will now switch to English, because your ears are going to bleed if I carry on speaking too much bad Swedish.
"The most exciting thing about this job is that, when you are a kid, you dream of the World Cup, and the opportunity to help a country that is so close to my heart, and has played an incredibly important role in my career and my life.
“To have this opportunity to help get Sweden to a World Cup is incredibly exciting."
Potter also had successful spells managing Brighton and Swansea City before joining Chelsea in 2022. Sweden have the quality on paper to qualify, whilst Potter certainly has the expertise to take them there. Now it is just about getting the results over the next month as they aim to reach the World Cup.