Swedish Women's Volleyball Team Sets New EM Record in Thrilling Win Over Croatia

The Swedish women's volleyball team achieved a historic 3-2 victory against Croatia during the group stage of the 2026 European Championship, securing their place in the knockout rounds. This win marks their best-ever performance in the tournament's group phase, guaranteeing at least a third-place finish in their group and advancing them to the playoffs starting Sunday.

Sweden made a remarkable comeback after losing the first two sets, winning the next two, and clinching the dramatic final set. Star player Isabelle Haak scored an unprecedented 52 points in the match, setting the record for the most points scored by an individual in a single European Championship match. This feat drew praise from her sister and teammate, Anna Haak, who highlighted the team's strong bond and resilience in close matches.

The Swedish squad's fighting spirit has been a defining factor throughout the season, including previous five-set victories like the one against Slovakia. Anna Haak reflected on their experience, stating, "In the fifth set, the thoughts are: we have been here before – now we do it again." This mindset has propelled the team through tense battles and contributed to their success on home soil in Gothenburg.

Looking ahead, Sweden faces a critical final group match against the higher-ranked France on Thursday, August 27. A win in that match could elevate them to second place in the group, potentially leading to more favorable matchups in the knockout phase. The match will be broadcast live on SVT and SVT Play.

This breakthrough performance underlines Sweden's rising stature in European women's volleyball and delivers optimism for their chances as the tournament progresses.