Sweden men's national football team
On the 12th of July 1908, Sweden played its first international football match against Norway at Idrottsplatsen in Gothenburg. The Swedish team won that game by an 11, 3 scoreline. Just months later, they competed in the 1908 Summer Olympics for the first time. A loss to Great Britain 1, 12 marked their largest defeat in history. They returned to Olympic play as hosts in 1912 and again in 1920. In 1924, Sweden claimed bronze, securing their first ever medal in international competition. By 1938, they reached fourth place after a dramatic quarterfinal win over Cuba. Harry Andersson and Gustav Wetterström both scored hat-tricks in that 8, 0 victory. The Swedes lost 1, 5 to Hungary in the semifinals before falling 2, 4 to Brazil for fourth place.
In 1956, the Swedish Football Federation allowed professional players back into the national squad. This decision paved the way for success at home during the 1958 FIFA World Cup. Matches were held at Råsunda Stadium in Solna with crowds of around 32,000 people attending early games. Sweden defeated Mexico 3, 0 and Hungary 2, 1 in group stage action. Kurt Hamrin scored both goals against Hungary. The team advanced through knockout rounds including a 2, 0 win over the USSR. A semifinal victory over West Germany ended 3, 1 after Erich Juskowiak was sent off. The final saw Brazil defeat Sweden 5, 2 at Råsunda. Approximately 52,000 spectators watched as Brazil claimed their first title. After the match, Brazilian players ran around the pitch holding a Swedish flag to honor the hosts. This silver medal remains Sweden's best result in any World Cup tournament.
Sweden qualified for the 1994 World Cup in the United States by topping their qualifying group ahead of Bulgaria and France. They entered Group B alongside Brazil, Cameroon, and Russia. An initial 1, 2 loss to Cameroon seemed familiar until Martin Dahlin equalized in the 75th minute from a rebound shot off Henrik Larsson. The game finished 2, 2. In Detroit, they beat Russia 3, 1 with goals from Tomas Brolin and two from Martin Dahlin. A 1, 1 draw against Brazil followed. The quarterfinal in San Francisco against Romania went into extra time after Florin Răducioiu scored twice. Kenneth Andersson headed home an equalizer in the dying minutes. Thomas Ravelli saved two penalties from Daniel Prodan and Miodrag Belodedici to secure victory. Sweden faced Brazil again in Los Angeles but lost 1, 0 due to Romário’s goal in the 80th minute. Jonas Thern received a red card before that moment. In New York City, Sweden defeated Bulgaria 4, 0 in the first half to claim third place. They finished as top scorers with 15 total goals. This bronze medal marked their best placement since 1958.
Zlatan Ibrahimović became Sweden's all-time leading scorer with 62 goals across 122 appearances between 2001 and 2023. He made his debut on the 31st of January 2001 and played until March 2023. His career spanned 22 years, one month, and 24 days. On the 24th of March 2023, he set the record for oldest player at 41 years, five months, and 21 days during a match against Belgium. He also holds the record for longest national career duration. At age 39, he became Sweden's oldest player on the 25th of March 2021 when playing Georgia. His fourth goal in the opening match of Friends Arena against England was an overhead bicycle kick from 35 yards. That strike won the FIFA Puskás Award for goal of the year. Despite missing World Cups in 2010 and 2014, he returned to lead the team through Euro 2016 qualifiers. His leadership helped stabilize squads after Henrik Larsson retired multiple times.
Sweden failed to qualify for major tournaments between 2018 and 2026 despite strong performances elsewhere. They missed Euro 2024 after losing to Austria and drawing with Azerbaijan. Janne Andersson resigned following the final match against Estonia. Jon Dahl Tomasson took over as manager starting the 1st of March 2024. He led Sweden to victory in Group 1 of the 2024, 25 UEFA Nations League C. However, after earning only one point in four matches during 2026 qualification, he was sacked on the 14th of October 2025. This marked the first time a Swedish national team manager had been dismissed. Graham Potter replaced him on the 20th of October 2025. Prior to this, Erik Hamrén coached from 2009 to 2016 while Lars Lagerbäck managed earlier stints. The team lost 2, 0 to Poland at Stadion Śląski in March 2022 due to goals by Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zieliński. A shocking 3, 0 loss to Azerbaijan damaged their chances further.
Råsunda Fotbollsstadion opened on the 18th of September 1910 with a capacity of just 2,000 standing spectators. It expanded to hold 40,000 people by 1937. Råsunda hosted eight games during the 1958 FIFA World Cup including the final. Ullevi in Gothenburg has also served as a home venue for select matches like the centennial game against England in 2004. Friends Arena in Solna replaced Råsunda after its demolition. The new stadium opened on the 14th of November 2012 with a friendly win over England 4, 2. Supporters have traveled abroad since the 1974 FIFA World Cup in West Germany. Camp Sweden organized gatherings around matches starting in 2004. Gula väggen registered its name as a trademark in 2017. Members such as Kannan, GV-Sara, Hasse Kongo, and Jan-Tommy were paid to support the team. During the 2006 World Cup in Dortmund, up to 50,000 fans attended group stage matches plus another 50,000 watched outside stadiums. They were voted best supporters due to their numbers and attitude.
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Common questions
When did Sweden play its first international football match?
Sweden played its first international football match on the 12th of July 1908 against Norway at Idrottsplatsen in Gothenburg. The Swedish team won that game by an 11, 3 scoreline.
What was Sweden's best result in any World Cup tournament?
The silver medal from the 1958 FIFA World Cup remains Sweden's best result in any World Cup tournament. Brazil defeated Sweden 5, 2 in the final held at Råsunda Stadium with approximately 52,000 spectators watching.
Who is the all-time leading scorer for the Sweden men's national football team?
Zlatan Ibrahimović became Sweden's all-time leading scorer with 62 goals across 122 appearances between 2001 and 2023. He set the record for oldest player at 41 years, five months, and 21 days during a match against Belgium on the 24th of March 2023.
Which stadium hosted eight games during the 1958 FIFA World Cup including the final?
Råsunda Fotbollsstadion opened on the 18th of September 1910 and expanded to hold 40,000 people by 1937 before hosting eight games during the 1958 FIFA World Cup. Friends Arena in Solna replaced Råsunda after its demolition and opened on the 14th of November 2012.
When did Jon Dahl Tomasson take over as manager of the Sweden men's national football team?
Jon Dahl Tomasson took over as manager starting the 1st of March 2024 following Janne Andersson's resignation. He led Sweden to victory in Group 1 of the 2024, 25 UEFA Nations League C before being sacked on the 14th of October 2025.