It was a spur-of-the-moment remark after the biggest achievement of the 51-year-old coach’s career and easily could’ve been taken as jest.
Three months later, the Englishman proved he wasn’t joking when he stepped onto the pitch at Toyota Stadium, the home of FC Dallas, for the team’s first open practice ahead of the World Cup, donning a felt cowboy hat in front of thousands of fans. Potter conducted the entire practice wearing the hat.
“Obviously the cowboy hat is just a nod to the people that came to support on an open day,” Potter said. “Really, it’s great to see some of the people from the community, so many soccer fans coming out and looking at the team and supporting the team.”
That wasn’t the only way Potter immersed himself in Texan culture. A week later, Potter posted a photo of the Swedish coaching staff enjoying the Stockyards in Fort Worth. He was sporting a tucked-in, long-sleeve button-up; denim jeans with a belt buckle; and cowboy boots with the caption, “Rodeo, Fort Worth style with the team behind the team.”
“We’ve loved it, to be honest,” Potter said of Sweden’s stay in Texas. “It’s been amazing. Everybody’s been so welcome, so friendly, so helpful, so we’re very, very grateful for that.”
The homage to the Lone Star State also could be seen as the manager absorbing every ounce of appreciation for the moment.
Potter was once a rising star in the English managerial ranks when he oversaw Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. from 2019 to 2022. This international run is Potter’s first job following two failed club stints in the English Premier League in 2022 and 2025 at Chelsea F.C. and West Ham United.
Guiding Sweden to its first World Cup since 2018, after the nation finished winless and at the bottom of its UEFA qualifying group before his arrival, is a turnaround that’s taken his coaching reputation to new heights.
“To be competing, it’s something I’m incredibly grateful for,” Potter said. “This team has given me some of the best moments of my life. I’ll always be grateful for that.”