Sweden and Denmark Face Off in Crucial Women’s World Cup Qualifier at Gamla Ullevi
Sweden and Denmark meet in a decisive 2026 Women’s World Cup qualifier at Gamla Ullevi with Sweden needing a win to keep direct World Cup hopes alive.
- • Match held at Gamla Ullevi, Gothenburg on April 14 at 19:00, broadcast live on SVT2 and SVT Play without subscription.
- • Sweden and Denmark both have four points, Denmark leads on goal difference; Sweden must win to stay on course for direct World Cup qualification.
- • Pernille Harder is in top form under Denmark’s coach Jakob Michelsen and is a key threat.
- • Magdalena Eriksson recently retired from international play due to injury, creating a defensive gap for Sweden; she will be honored in a separate match against Serbia.
Key details
Sweden and Denmark are set to clash in a pivotal 2026 Women’s World Cup qualifying match at Gamla Ullevi in Gothenburg on April 14, 2026, with kickoff at 19:00. The match will be broadcast live on SVT2 and SVT Play, available without a subscription, reflecting the high stakes for both teams as they vie for top spot in their group.
With both Sweden and Denmark sitting level on four points, Denmark holds the advantage due to a superior goal difference. Sweden must secure a win to maintain a direct path to World Cup qualification, as any other result threatens their chances. Sweden’s recent form includes a win over Italy and a draw with Serbia, underlining the pressure to perform. Goalkeeper Zećira Mušović returns to the squad after a break, while Kosovare Asllani remains sidelined through injury. Stina Blackstenius will captain the Swedish side, potentially featuring two players earning their first international caps.
Historically, Sweden dominates the fixture with 35 wins from 61 games and a notable goal difference of 102-56 in their favor. Denmark, however, have been unbeaten since Jakob Michelsen became their head coach following the European Championship. Under Michelsen, Denmark has adopted a more potent attacking style, with star striker Pernille Harder becoming even more lethal. Harder, who has scored 82 international goals, poses a significant threat and will face Sweden without her partner Magdalena Eriksson, who recently retired from international football due to injury. Eriksson's absence marks a major loss for the Swedish defense, although she will be honored in a future match against Serbia.
Sweden’s coach Tony Gustavsson has praised Harder’s exceptional form, while Harder herself remarked on the challenge and relief of competing against Sweden without direct confrontation with Eriksson. As the teams prepare to meet, the encounter promises to be intense and decisive in defining the group’s outcome.
The match is expected to draw significant interest as both sides look to solidify their bid for the World Cup, continuing a storied rivalry rich with competition and high-quality football.
This article was translated and synthesized from Swedish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
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