Sweden Prepares for Crucial Nations League Semifinal Against Spain as Jennifer Hermoso Returns
Sweden faces Spain in the 2025 Nations League semifinals with star striker Jennifer Hermoso returning, highlighting a crucial contest for World Cup qualification.
- • Sweden qualified for the Nations League semifinals by winning their Division A group.
- • Semifinal matches against Spain are scheduled for October 24 in Malaga and October 28 in Gothenburg.
- • Jennifer Hermoso returns to Spain's squad after a year-long absence, posing a significant threat.
- • The Nations League outcomes impact FIFA Women's World Cup ranking and qualification routes.
Key details
The Swedish women's national football team is gearing up for an important Nations League semifinal clash against Spain, with the first leg set to take place on October 24 in Malaga and the second on October 28 at Gamla Ullevi in Gothenburg. This stage in the tournament holds considerable weight, as the Nations League influences international rankings and the qualification routes for the FIFA Women's World Cup.
Sweden secured their spot in the semifinals after topping Division A, Group A4 in the fall 2024 season, besting strong opponents including Italy, Denmark, and France. Winning their group enhances Sweden's seeding and offers a more favorable path toward World Cup qualification, with the four group winners receiving an additional playoff opportunity.
Spain will field 35-year-old Jennifer Hermoso, their all-time leading goal scorer, who makes a notable return to the national team after being absent from the squad for the summer's European Championship. Hermoso, sidelined for about a year, had been involved in a scandal following the 2023 World Cup when former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales was convicted of sexual assault after an unwanted kiss at the victory ceremony. Despite this, her comeback adds a formidable offensive threat that Swedish defenders must prepare for as they face Spain in this pivotal semifinal matchup.
The two-legged semifinal will be a test of strategic resilience and skill for Sweden as they aim to exact revenge on Spain and secure a place in the final of the Nations League. This tournament, in its second edition, has quickly become an integral component of the women's international football calendar, reflecting the growing competitiveness and global interest in the women's game.