Sweden are rapidly emerging as one of the most formidable forces in women’s football. Established in 1973 and governed by the Swedish Football Association, the national team has earned a global reputation for its consistency, resilience, and competitive spirit on the world stage.
Since Peter Gerhardsson took over as head coach in 2017, Sweden have enjoyed a remarkable run in major international tournaments. Under his leadership, the team secured bronze medals at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in both 2019 and 2023, a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021), and reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.
One of Sweden’s most iconic moments came during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, when Lina Hurtig scored the decisive penalty in a dramatic shootout to eliminate reigning champions, the United States, in the Round of 16. Sweden then went on to defeat a strong Japanese side in the quarter-finals, before narrowly falling to eventual champions Spain in a hard-fought semi-final.
Key players:
Sweden’s success has been propelled by a standout generation of players who have not only excelled individually but also elevated the team’s presence on the global stage. Their skill, leadership, and collective spirit have been instrumental in shaping Sweden into a world-class force in women’s football.
Team captain Kosovare Asllani, with over 200 international caps, has been a consistent and influential leader for Sweden. Known for her creativity and composure, Asllani continues to be a driving force both on and off the pitch. Beyond her national team contributions, she played a pivotal role in leading London City Lionesses to promotion into the Women’s Super League during the 2024/25 season, marking a historic achievement for the club.
Stina Blackstenius is a clinical forward who consistently rises to the occasion in high-stakes moments. She scored Sweden’s opening goal during the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro campaign, setting the pace for their strong performance. At club level, Blackstenius made headlines by netting the winning goal in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final, securing Arsenal’s first European title in over a decade.
As Sweden continue to climb the ranks of international women’s football, their blend of experience, tactical discipline, and standout individual talent makes them a formidable presence at every major tournament. With a rich legacy and a relentless drive for success, they’ve already secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championship, following impressive group-stage wins over Denmark (1–0) and Poland (3–0). Now, all eyes are on tonight’s crucial match against Germany, which will determine the Group C winner and shape Sweden’s path in the knockout stages — a pivotal moment in their pursuit of European glory.