Sweden's Women's National Football Team Drawn with Italy, Denmark, and Serbia for 2027 World Cup Qualifiers
Sweden's women's football team will face Italy, Denmark, and Serbia in the 2027 World Cup qualifiers, aiming to build on their 2023 success with a tough group and new Nations League-style format.
- • Sweden placed in a qualifying group with Italy, Denmark, and Serbia for the 2027 World Cup.
- • Qualification adopts Nations League format; group winners qualify directly, others enter playoffs.
- • Head coach Tony Gustavsson highlights the group's difficulty despite positive past results.
- • Qualification matches start late February 2026, with a preparatory match against France.
- • Record 53 European teams participate, largest ever in women's football qualification.
Key details
Sweden's women's national football team has been drawn into a qualification group alongside Italy, Denmark, and Serbia for the 2027 Women's World Cup, set to take place in Brazil. For the first time, the qualification process will mirror the Nations League format, with Sweden competing in the top tier, League A. The group winners will earn a direct spot in the World Cup, whereas second and third-placed teams will have an opportunity to qualify through playoffs.
Head coach Tony Gustavsson, leading the team for his first championship qualification, emphasized the challenge ahead, stating, "We should not believe it will be an easy qualifying group," underscoring the strength of opponents who include the recent Nations League and European Championship semifinalists. Sweden has previously faced Denmark and Italy in 2025, securing multiple victories and draws, setting a positive precedent going into the qualifiers. Sweden's preparation will include a Nations League bronze match against France before qualifiers begin.
The European qualifiers involve a record 53 teams, divided into groups of three or four, marking the largest ever women's football qualification event on the continent. Matches are slated to kick off in late February 2026 with key fixtures in March, April, and June. Sweden must win their group to qualify directly; otherwise, playoffs provide another route to the finals.
This strategic preparation reflects Sweden’s ambition to build on their recent success at the 2023 World Cup, where they secured a bronze medal after defeating Australia 2-0. The team aims to maintain their strong international presence as they embark on this new qualification journey under head coach Gustavsson’s guidance.