Sweden's women's national football team faces a tough challenge in World Cup qualifying against Serbia at home in Solna on Saturday. After just one win in three qualifiers and a recent loss to Denmark, coach Tony Gustavsson is under pressure to deliver. Injured star Johanna Rytting Kaneryd could make a comeback.
Sweden began World Cup qualifying in March with a 1–0 away win over Italy and a 0–0 draw away to Serbia. On Tuesday, the Blågult lost 1–2 at home to Denmark in Gothenburg despite several scoring chances and a goal from Monica Jusu Bah. Denmark leads the group with seven points, while Sweden and Italy have four points each after three matches.
Coach Tony Gustavsson, who took over after last summer's European Championship, has only one win in seven matches with the team. He takes responsibility for the defensive errors against Denmark. "One thing I must do better is to put the players in better situations in defensive transitions," Gustavsson says.
The match against Serbia at Strawberry Arena in Solna kicks off at 4 p.m. on April 18 and will be broadcast on SVT. Gustavsson hopes for playing time for Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, who missed the Denmark game due to injury. "To have a Johanna Rytting Kaneryd to switch up the attack with ... that could be hugely important," he says.
Midfielder Julia Zigiotti Olme stresses the need for victory. "We must have three points tomorrow," she says. The group winner qualifies directly for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil; others enter playoffs. Sweden likely needs three straight wins for a direct spot.
