Emil Forsberg spoke about his decision to retire from the Swedish national team following Red Bull New York’s Tuesday training session at RWJBarnabas Health Red Bulls Performance Center in Morris Township, New Jersey.
“I came with the conclusion I’m going to end my time in the Swedish national team,” Forsberg said on Tuesday to South Ward Central and amNewYork. “When the decision came out, I’m very calm and relaxed in myself as well.”
Forsberg previously indicated on Fotbollsmorgon’s YouTube channel that he would inform the Swedish Football Association of his plan to retire from national team duty after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“I haven’t announced this to the national team yet, but I will do so after the World Cup,” Forsberg previously told Fotbollsmorgon on June 24.
Emil Forsberg Reflects on Sweden’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Run
The 34-year-old midfielder made 92 appearances for Sweden and scored 21 goals for his country between 2014 and 2025. Despite not being named by Graham Potter to Sweden’s 2026 World Cup squad, he enjoyed following the progress of his former teammates.
“It was fun to watch the guys,” Forsberg after Tuesday’s training session. “I know most of them so just supporting them, wishing them the best.
“They did what they could do. I think then they played a fantastic opponent in France so that was tough for them but before that they did what they could and I think they should be proud.”
Forsberg Ready for Second Half of MLS Season
Red Bull New York is preparing to return to match action with their next match coming against the Philadelphia Union on July 22 at Subaru Park.
“We had six weeks almost to get going, so of course it’s the second pre-season for us,” Forsberg said. “But we’ve been working really hard, the guys have been doing really good so we’re getting better every day.”
“It’s been important to keep the kind of mindset we’ve been going with all year. Just keep going, always fifth gear, even though we had a long time now that we didn’t come back and just relax the first couple of weeks. We went straight into it, been training really good, working on our ideas and yeah, just been going for it. I think that’s been really good, I think everybody’s feeling very good and in good shape.”
Forsberg has scored one goal and recorded five assists through 14 MLS matches this season. His creativity, vision and expertise in dead-ball situations will be vital as the Red Bulls look to improve on their fifth-place standing in the Eastern Conference.
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