Sweden Unveils Most Experienced Women’s Handball World Championship Squad with One Debutant

Sweden's women’s national handball team has announced its squad for the 2025 World Championship, featuring the most experienced lineup in Swedish history with an average of 111 international caps and over eight championships per player. Head coach Tomas Axnér named only 16 players for the tournament, held from November 26 to December 14 in Germany and the Netherlands, with 21-year-old Thea Kylberg as the sole debutant. Kylberg has impressed in training camps and previous matches despite only having four national team appearances, earning high praise from Axnér for her defensive skills and physicality (IDs 118249, 118280, 118797, 118281).

The selection process was notably challenging, especially concerning goalkeepers. The squad includes two goalkeepers, Johanna Bundsen and Filippa Idéhn, while Evelina Eriksson was designated as a reserve, a decision Axnér acknowledged as difficult and disappointing for Eriksson (IDs 118249, 118280, 118797). Veteran players Anna Lagerquist and Mathilda Lundström return after recovering from injuries, adding strength to the team (ID 118249).

Sweden will prepare by gathering for training in Halmstad on November 18 and playing two warm-up matches against Denmark. The team’s group for the initial phase of the World Championship includes the Czech Republic, Cuba, and Brazil, which Axnér described as a tough group. The tournament structure starts with group matches in Stuttgart from November 27, with the top three teams advancing to the main round in Dortmund (IDs 118240, 118249, 118797).

Axnér emphasized the team’s ambition to win a medal, noting it has been 11 years since Sweden last achieved podium success in a major championship. With a mostly seasoned squad and a promising preparation schedule, the Swedish team is aiming for a strong performance on the world stage (ID 118249).