World Cup 2023: All you need to know about Sweden

Sweden are third in the FIFA rankings ahead of the World Cup and one of the tournament's big hitters. 

But they have struggled to get over the line since winning the inaugural Euros in 1984, often falling just short. 

They finished runners-up at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic games, took third place in the 2019 World Cup and were knocked out at the semi-final stage of Euro 2022 by England. 

Sweden's group stage fixtures and UK kick-off times

Sweden vs South Africa (Sunday, July 23, 6am)

Sweden vs Italy (Saturday, July 29, 8.30am) 

Argentina vs Sweden (Wednesday, August 2, 8am)

How Sweden qualified for Australia and New Zealand 2023

Sweden cruised through qualification and booked their spot in Australia and New Zealand with ease. 

Their eight games yielded seven wins and one draw, sealing top spot five points ahead of the Republic of Ireland. 

A notable result was their 15-0 demolition of Georgia in Gori, where Filippa Angeldahl bagged a hat-trick on their way to victory.

Predicted XI

GK: Zecira Musovic 
RB: Amanda Ilestedt 
CB: Magdalena Eriksson 
CB: Nathalie Bjorn 
LB: Jonna Andersson 
CDM: Kosovare Asllani
CM: Filippa Angeldahl  
CM: Elin Rubensson 
RW: Sofia Jakobsson 
ST: Stina Blackstenius 
LW: Fridolina Rolfo

Star player: Fridolina Rolfo

Fridolina Rolfo is Sweden's star thanks to her deadly ball striking and pinpoint deliveries. 

The left winger, 29, was a key part of Barcelona's Champions League title triumph, scoring four goals, including the winning strike against Wolfsburg in the final.

Rolfo also registered 21 key passes, attempted 69 crosses and completed 14 of her 30 attempted take-ons in the competition as she helped her side earn the title of Europe's best.

One to watch: Hanna Bennison

Everton broke their transfer record in August 2021 to sign one of women's football's most talented up-and-coming players in Hanna Bennison. 

The attacking midfielder, 20, has an eye for goal and has come up with some big strikes for the Toffees.  

Last season was a tough one but she still managed to score three goals, complete 15 key passes and win 20 fouls.

The boss: Peter Gerhardsson

Peter Gerhardsson, 63, took charge as Sweden's head coach following the 2017 Euros. 

His previous experience consists of an eight-year stint with BK Hacken, where he won the Svenska Cupen in the 2016-17 season. 

Gerhardsson has been unable to navigate Sweden to silverware thus far — but will be hoping he can do so at this summer's World Cup.

Sweden's official 23-player World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Tove Enblom (KIF Orebro), Jennifer Falk (Hacken), Zecira Musovic (Chelsea).

Defenders: Jonna Andersson (Hammarby), Nathalie Bjorn (Everton), Magdalena Eriksson (Bayern Munich), Amanda Ilestedt (Arsenal), Hanna Lundkvist (Atletico Madrid), Anna Sandberg (Hacken), Linda Sembrant (Juventus).

Midfielders: Filippa Angeldahl (Manchester City), Kosovare Asllani (AC Milan), Hanna Bennison (Everton), Elin Rubensson (Hacken), Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea), Olivia Schough (Rosengard), Caroline Seger (Rosengard).

Forwards: Stina Blackstenius (Arsenal), Rebecka Blomqvist (Wolfsburg), Lina Hurtig (Arsenal), Sofia Jakobsson (San Diego Wave), Madelen Janogy (Hammarby), Fridolina Rolfo (Barcelona).

All information correct as of July 11