Team Overview: Sweden

For decades, the Sweden women’s team has been one of the most quietly consistent forces in the global game. They might not always grab the headlines like the USA or the Lionesses, but in Sweden, this team is woven deeply into sporting culture, and their mix of history, resilience and fresh talent keeps them at the heart of international football.

📸via Adam Ihse/TT

Sweden have rarely missed a major tournament and have built a legacy built on consistency rather than hype. Over the years, the Swedes have been European champions once and runners-up three times (1987, 1995, 2001). Although never winning a world cup, they were runners-up in 2003, with four bronze medals (1991, 2011, 2019 and 2023). As well as this, they achieved Olympic silver twice in recent years (2016 and 2021).

Far from one-hit wonders, Sweden have turned reaching the final four into a habit, and it’s this record that makes them respected opponents for any team in the world.

Women’s football in Sweden isn’t a side story. Big attendances at Damallsvenskan matches, strong grassroots support and balanced media coverage have helped normalise the women’s game in a way many countries still aspire to. 

At the heart of the team is experience and steel, specifically in their Captain Magdalena Eriksson, a calm, commanding defender known for her leadership on and off the pitch. Stina Blackstenius is a clinical finisher who combines strength and smart movement; often Sweden’s most dangerous forward.

Blackstenius loves to combine with Fridolina Rolfö who is a creative wide player with left foot that can change games. Another key player is Kosovare Asllani, who is such an elegant playmaker with vision and technique and remains influential well into her veteran years. Alongside them, players like Filippa Angeldahl and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd are carving out their names, giving Sweden depth and a new attacking edge.

At the Women’s Euro 2025, Sweden topped a tough group unbeaten, including a dominant 4-1 win over Germany. They exited in the quarter-finals after a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to England, after being such an intense and skillful force. 

Decade after decade, Sweden remain part of the conversation, mixing tactical discipline with flashes of individual brilliance. They might not always be the loudest, but in tournaments, Sweden are never far from the last four -  as history shows, they always have the potential to go even further.