After a dominant run—which included a 3–0 thumping over the U.S. in group play and heartbreaking silver medal finish at the Tokyo Games—Sweden has struggled. First, the Blue and Yellow were trounced 4–0 by England in the Euro 2022 semifinals, then earlier this year recorded a series of friendly draws (against Germany and Norway) and a loss to Denmark. Still, expectations are high for the Group G favorites. Sweden has a stacked, experienced roster, including a generational talent in 33-year-old midfielder Kosovare Asllani, who possesses great technique on the ball and playmaking vision. A semifinalist in four of its eight World Cup showings, the team is known for its tactical prowess, particularly the ability to orchestrate and create opportunities on set pieces.
Lobeca/IMAGO
With Argentina and South Africa—two teams that failed to win a game four years ago and seem unlikely to be threats here—in the group, Italy will be Sweden’s top challenger. And finishing first is important, as the U.S. likely awaits the second-place finisher in the round of 16. Four years ago, Italy appeared in the World Cup for the first time in 20 years, reaching the quarterfinals. The result went beyond the tournament: Thanks in part to the national team’s renaissance, the start of the 2022–23 Serie A season last August marked the league’s first with professional status. To build on that, Le Azzurre will have to mesh veterans and new talent and stick to its strengths: speed and ball movement.
Projected Group Finish
- Sweden
- Italy
- Argentina
- South Africa
Breakout Star
Stina Blackstenius, SwedenThe two-time Olympic silver medalist enjoyed a banner campaign at the Tokyo Games, scoring five goals. Then after Arsenal lost a pair of attackers to season-ending ACL injuries in late 2022, Blackstenius, 27, stepped in to keep the Gunners’ attack flowing. The 5' 9" forward, who has 28 goals in her 90 caps, is speedy, persistent and excellent at exploiting space, forcing defenses to keep tabs on her whether or not she has the ball.
Carl Sandin/IMAGO
Wild Card
College soccer fans will see a familiar face in Argentina’s lineup: Former Gonzaga star Sophia Braun, 23, will suit up for La Albiceleste. In her 2022 senior season with the Bulldogs, the Beaverton, Ore., native had three goals in 18 games.
Any hope of Argentina or South Africa sneaking into the knockout stage would require getting three points in this matchup, their first meeting.
