How Somali-Swedish Winger Taha Ali Became Sweden’s Surprise Weapon
Born to Somali refugee parents in Sweden, Taha Ali has overcome a long road through the lower leagues to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As Sweden prepares to face the Netherlands, the Malmö FF winger is emerging as one of the most inspiring stories of the tournament.
Taha Ali, the Somali-Swedish winger representing Sweden at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
HOUSTON, United States (Somali Report) — As Sweden prepares for a crucial FIFA World Cup Group F clash against the Netherlands on June 20, one of the most intriguing stories in the Swedish camp belongs to a player who has yet to kick a ball at the tournament.
Taha Abdi Ali, the 27-year-old Malmö FF winger born to Somali parents in Stockholm, has emerged as one of Sweden’s most talked-about squad members despite remaining on the bench during his country’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Tunisia in their World Cup opener.
For many Somali football fans around the world, Ali’s presence in Sweden’s World Cup squad is already a source of pride. His journey from the immigrant neighborhoods of Stockholm to football’s biggest tournament reflects years of persistence, resilience and self-belief.
A Journey Unlike Most Professionals
Unlike many modern footballers, Ali did not emerge from an elite academy.
Raised in Tensta, a multicultural district in northwest Stockholm, he started playing football at local club Spånga IS before moving through smaller Swedish clubs including Sundbybergs IK, IFK Stocksund and Sollentuna FK.
His rise was anything but straightforward.
While many Swedish internationals were progressing through professional youth systems, Ali was playing in the lower divisions and even combining outdoor football with futsal. He represented Sweden’s futsal national team between 2018 and 2019, earning six international appearances.
His breakthrough came during the 2020 season with Sollentuna FK, where he scored 10 goals and provided 10 assists. The performances earned him a move to Allsvenskan side Örebro SK in 2021.
Although opportunities were initially limited, Ali refused to give up. A successful loan spell at Västerås SK revived his career before Helsingborgs IF signed him in 2022.
One year later, Swedish giants Malmö FF came calling.
Becoming a Malmö Fan Favourite
At Malmö, Ali’s technical ability, dribbling skills and fearless one-on-one play quickly made him a fan favourite.
The winger helped Malmö win back-to-back Swedish league titles in 2023 and 2024, while also gaining valuable European experience in UEFA competitions.
His ability to unsettle defenders with pace and direct running earned growing attention from Sweden’s national team coaches.
Yet even then, few expected him to become part of Sweden’s World Cup squad.
Potter’s Surprise Selection
When Graham Potter announced Sweden’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, several bigger names were left out.
Barcelona youngster Roony Bardghji, Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson and Celta Vigo winger Williot Swedberg all missed out.
Ali, however, made the final squad.
Potter’s decision raised eyebrows among some supporters and pundits. Ali had only one senior Sweden appearance before this year and remained largely untested at international level.
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The coach, however, saw something different.
Ali's pace, unpredictability and willingness to attack defenders offered qualities that few others in the Swedish squad possessed.
Silencing Doubters
The first glimpse of why Potter trusted him came in Sweden’s World Cup warm-up match against Greece on June 4.
Introduced from the bench, Ali transformed the game.
Within minutes he drove at defenders, created chances and supplied the assist for Gustaf Nilsson’s goal in a 2-2 draw.
His impact immediately caught attention.
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak later admitted he was “in shock” at how influential Ali had been, saying the winger looked as though he had been part of the national team setup for years.
Potter was equally impressed, describing Ali’s performance as an “incredible substitute appearance” and noting that he offers qualities that very few players possess.
Ali himself remained characteristically humble.
“I just want to do my thing,” he said afterward.
Waiting for His World Cup Moment
Despite the praise, Ali remained an unused substitute in Sweden’s opening World Cup victory over Tunisia.
With Sweden facing a much tougher challenge against the Netherlands in Houston, competition for attacking places remains intense.
Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres and Anthony Elanga are expected to retain key roles in attack, but many Swedish supporters believe Ali could become an important weapon from the bench.
His ability to change games with direct running and creativity may prove valuable against elite opposition.
Pride Beyond Football
For Somalis around the world, Taha Ali's presence on football's biggest stage is already a source of pride.
Born to Somali parents who fled civil war and built a new life in Sweden, Ali has become a powerful example of what determination and perseverance can achieve.
Whether he starts against the Netherlands, comes off the bench, or waits for another opportunity later in the tournament, his story has already resonated across Somali communities from Stockholm and London to Nairobi, Mogadishu and Minneapolis.
The next chapter has yet to be written.
But if Sweden needs a spark against the Dutch, Taha Ali may finally get his chance.
About the Author
Omar Adam is a Senior Reporter for Somali Report based in Addis Ababa. He reports on Ethiopian politics, security, business, and economic affairs, with a special focus on the Somali Region and the experiences, governance, and development of Somali communities across Ethiopia.