The 1990 World Cup in Italy was the first time since 1978 that Sweden had qualified for a championship. Expectations were high for Olle Nordin's national team, but it ended in failure. Some of the players who left their mark in the tournament were Cameroon's 38-year-old striker Roger Milla and Italy's unexpected top scorer Salvatore Schillaci.

The 1978 World Cup was played in Argentina, and ended with the home nation winning its first World Cup gold in history. Holland's golden generation lost their second World Cup final in a row. Sweden drew with Brazil but still finished last in their group. Argentina's Mario Kempes won the top scorer's award, while other stars in the tournament included Cubillas from Peru and Boniek from Poland.