World Cup stars of Bundesliga 2: Wolfsburg's Mattias Svanberg
Wolfsburg's Mattias Svanberg scored the fastest substitute goal in FIFA World Cup history in Sweden's 5-1 win over Tunisia – a 12-second contribution that may prompt Graham Potter to reconsider his options moving forward.
Name: Mattias Svanberg
Club: Wolfsburg
Nation: Sweden
International debut: 18 November 2019
Caps: 41
Goals: 3
Stats correct as of 15 June 2026
How was his 2025/26 season?
During what was a difficult season for Wolfsburg as they were relegated from the Bundesliga for the first time, Svanberg made 24 appearances - a number that may well have been higher had he not suffered a couple of injuries in the second half of the campaign. He found the back of the net on three occasions, and wore the captain's armband in the Matchday 7 defeat to VfB Stuttgart.
What he brings to the national team
Svanberg has rarely been a regular starter for Sweden but, as he showed with his goal against Tunisia - which was the first to be awarded following the help of Snickometer technology in a World Cup game - he is a reliable option who can make an impact when called upon from the bench, or even to start.
The 27-year-old has been deployed in several different positions for his country - mainly in his favoured position in the middle of the park, but also on either flank or even as centre-forward/ false nine.
His cameo in this World Cup's opener was his first appearance at a major tournament, but is unlikely to be his last.
What his coaches say
"His versatility is a real asset to the squad." - Potter
"Mattias behaves impeccably, he's an absolute team player. Players who put their egos aside, that's exactly what we need." - Former Wolfsburg head coach Daniel Bauer
