If you've ever watched a major tournament, you know the drill. There is a sea of yellow and blue in the stands, a perfectly organized defensive line on the pitch, and a feeling that, somehow, Sweden is going to find a way to the semi-finals. It is basically a law of nature at this point. The sweden national football team women—or Blågult as the locals call them—have become the ultimate "final boss" of international football. They aren't always the flashiest team, but they are undeniably one of the most successful programs on the planet.
But things are shifting. We are currently witnessing a massive crossroads for this squad. As of early 2026, the era of Peter Gerhardsson is winding down, and the transition to a new tactical identity is underway. It’s a weird time to be a fan. You have the legendary Kosovare Asllani still pulling the strings, yet there’s a crop of teenagers like Smilla Holmberg and Felicia Schröder breathing down the necks of the veterans.
Honestly, the "always a bridesmaid" narrative is starting to get old for them. They’ve got the bronze medals. They’ve got the Olympic silvers from 2016 and 2021. What they want—and what the Swedish public is practically demanding—is another trophy to sit next to that lonely 1984 European Championship cup.
The Gerhardsson Legacy and the Road to 2026
Peter Gerhardsson has been at the helm since 2017. Think about that for a second. In the world of international football, eight years is an eternity. He’s led them through two World Cup bronze finishes and a heartbreaking Olympic final loss to Canada on penalties. He is the guy who famously walked into a broom cupboard during a press conference because he was so deep in thought. That’s Peter.
But Euro 2025 in Switzerland was his curtain call. Sweden’s run there was a microcosm of their entire identity: clinical, tough, and slightly tragic. They absolutely dismantled Germany 4-1 in the group stage, a result that sent shockwaves through the tournament. Then came the quarter-final against England. Up 2-0, looking comfortable, and then... the collapse. Losing on penalties after a 2-2 draw felt like a punch to the gut.
Now, the baton is passing. Tony Gustavsson, the man who led Australia’s Matildas to a historic World Cup semi-final, is the one tasked with taking this foundation and actually winning a final. He’s got big shoes to fill, but he also has one of the deepest talent pools in Europe.
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Why the FIFA Ranking Doesn't Tell the Whole Story
In late 2025, the sweden national football team women sat at number 5 in the FIFA World Rankings. That's a bit of a drop from when they hit world number 1 back in August 2023. You might look at that and think they’re declining. You’d be wrong.
The rankings are currently dominated by Spain, the US, and Germany. Sweden’s "slump" to 5th is mostly a result of some tough Nations League results where Gerhardsson was aggressively experimenting with the roster. They lost 4-0 to Spain in October 2025, which looks bad on paper, but if you saw the match, you know they were blooding three debutants in the backline.
Sweden plays a style that is incredibly hard to quantify with just stats. They aren't a high-possession team like Spain. They don't rely on raw transition speed as much as the Americans. They are masters of the "calculated pressure." They wait. They lure you into a specific zone. Then, players like Filippa Angeldahl and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd pounce.
The Changing of the Guard: Players to Watch
The roster right now is a fascinating mix of "old school" grit and "new school" technicality.
- The Veterans: You can't talk about this team without Kosovare Asllani. She’s 36 now, playing for London City Lionesses, and her engine is still ridiculous. She covers more ground than players ten years younger. Alongside her is Magdalena Eriksson, the defensive general at Bayern Munich, who provides the vocal leadership this team depends on.
- The Prime Performers: Fridolina Rolfö is the superstar. When she’s healthy, she’s arguably the best left-sided player in the world. Her ability to play as a wing-back for Barcelona and then transform into a lethal forward for Sweden is a tactical cheat code. Then there’s Stina Blackstenius. She’s the focal point. She makes those selfless runs that open up space for everyone else.
- The New Kids: This is where it gets exciting. Smilla Holmberg, the 19-year-old from Hammarby, is a nightmare for wingers. She’s fearless. Then you have Ellen Wangerheim and Felicia Schröder. These aren't just prospects; they are getting meaningful minutes in the Nations League.
Tactical Evolution: No Longer a One-Trick Pony
For years, the knock on Sweden was that they were "boring." People said they just relied on set pieces and being taller than everyone else. That’s a lazy take.
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Under the incoming era, expect to see more fluidity. Gerhardsson started moving away from the rigid 4-4-2 toward a more flexible 4-3-3 that often looks like a 3-4-3 in possession. They are using their full-backs—like Jonna Andersson and Nathalie Björn—much higher up the pitch.
The Nations League matches in late 2025 showed a team trying to solve the "Spain problem." How do you beat a team that keeps the ball for 70% of the game? Sweden’s answer has been a mid-block that triggers a trap the moment the ball enters the center circle. It’s risky, but it’s the only way they’re going to leapfrog the elite teams to get back to a world #1 spot.
The 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
The calendar is already looking crowded. The sweden national football team women are heading into World Cup qualifying with a point to prove.
- Italy (March 2, 2026): A massive away test to start the year. Italy has become increasingly organized, and this will be the first real competitive look at the post-Gerhardsson tactical setup.
- Serbia (March 6, 2026): A game they should win comfortably, but these are the matches where Sweden historically struggles if they get complacent.
- Denmark (April 13, 2026): The Nordic Derby. There is no love lost here. Denmark has Pernille Harder, and Sweden has... well, a better overall squad. This match usually decides who tops the qualifying group.
What Most People Get Wrong About Swedish Football
There is this weird misconception that Swedish women's football is losing its "aura" because the domestic league, the Damallsvenskan, isn't the financial powerhouse it used to be. It’s true that leagues in England, Spain, and the US have more money.
However, the Swedish system is still a talent factory. The difference now is that Swedish players move abroad earlier. Look at Johanna Rytting Kaneryd at Chelsea or Hanna Bennison at Juventus. They are getting "elite" education in different footballing cultures and bringing that back to the national team.
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The team isn't getting weaker; the world is just catching up. That makes the margin for error razor-thin.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you are following the sweden national football team women through the 2026 season, here is what you should actually be looking for:
- Watch the Wing-Back Rotation: Pay attention to how the new manager uses Smilla Holmberg. If she becomes a locked-in starter over the veterans, it signals a permanent shift toward a high-press, high-energy style.
- The "Asllani Role": See who takes the #10 spot when Asllani isn't on the pitch. Finding a creative successor is the single biggest hurdle for this team over the next 24 months.
- Set Piece Efficiency: Sweden still generates about 30% of their goals from corners and indirect free kicks. If that number drops without a corresponding increase in open-play goals, they are in trouble.
- Follow the Youth: Keep an eye on the Damallsvenskan results for Hammarby and Häcken. That is where the next generation of the national team is currently being forged.
The journey to the 2027 World Cup starts now. This team has the experience, the scars from previous losses, and a crop of young talent that doesn't remember the "dark days." They aren't just participants anymore; they are a powerhouse in transition.
Keep your eyes on the March qualifiers. That's when we'll see if the "Blue and Yellow" are ready to finally trade those bronze medals for something a bit more golden.