Sweden opens its season against World Championship bronze medalist France at the LDLC Arena in Lyon on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 20.00, fielding a significantly younger squad with three debutants. Daniel Vandor reports that the team’s average age has dropped since the European Championship qualifier win against Lithuania in Kosta in April. The match is broadcast on SVT24 and SVT Play starting at 19.50, with Norwegian referees Jørgen Jørstad and Mads Dahlby Fremstad officiating.
Sweden Faces France in Lyon Opener
Roster Rebuild and Youth Movement
The women’s national team has played 1,070 matches involving 416 players since its inception, a total that increases to 419 with the debuts of Isabelle Rydén, Hanna Lundvall, and Emma Mihailovic. Rydén and Lundvall mark a historic milestone as the first players born in 2006 to represent the senior damlandslaget. Skara HF contributes a team-high three players to the Swedish roster: Mathilda Lundström, Hanna Lundvall, and Isabel van Kerkvoorde, according to team data compiled for the fixture.
Five additional players in the Swedish lineup bring ten or fewer international appearances to the court: Stina Littorin with two caps, Ofelia Shoai Hallberg with two, Matilda Forsberg with five, Isabel van Kerkvoorde with nine, and Charité Mumbongo with ten. Emma Lindqvist serves as team captain for this gathering, supported by assistant captain Olivia Löfqvist.
Veteran Absences and Milestones
The squad travels to Lyon without several high-profile veterans. Jamina Roberts, who holds the national record with 273 A-international appearances, and Nathalie Hagman, with 261, last played in April. Nine other players from the winter World Championship squad are also missing: Anna Lagerquist, Linn Blohm, Filippa Idéhn, Linn Hansson, Vilma Matthijs Holmberg, Kristin Thorleifsdóttir, Jenny Carlson, Nina Koppang, and Thea Kylberg.
Conversely, goalkeeper Johanna Bundsen anchors the defense in her 182nd international appearance. Bundsen, named last season’s best European goalkeeper and best player in Swedish handball by Daniel Vandor’s records, stands one match away from tying Kristina Jönsson as the nation’s most-capped female goaltender. Bundsen and teammate Tyra Axnér arrive fresh off winning the Champions League with French club Metz last spring.
Historical Matchup and French Dominance
France enters the contest having reached the semifinals in all eight major international championships of the 2020s, capturing gold at the 2021 Olympics and 2023 World Championship alongside multiple silver and bronze medals. Head-to-head records show Sweden has claimed 16 victories across 45 all-time meetings against France, with three draws and 26 losses. Sweden’s last win against the French side dates back to 2014, when they triumphed 29–26 en route to European Championship bronze.
Subsequent encounters have favored France, though Sweden secured notable results, including 28–28 after full time in the 2024 Olympic semifinal, where France ultimately prevailed in extra time. Goalkeepers Johanna Bundsen and Laura Glaser, alongside French player Grace Zaadi Deuna, remain the only active competitors from the 2014 European Championship fixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the France-Sweden match played?
The match takes place on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 20.00 at the LDLC Arena in Lyon, France.
Where can I watch the game?
SVT24 and SVT Play broadcast the fixture live, with coverage beginning at 19.50.
Who are the debutants in the Swedish squad?
Isabelle Rydén, Hanna Lundvall, and Emma Mihailovic make their first appearances for the senior national team in Lyon.
What is Sweden’s historical record against France?
Sweden has 16 wins, three draws, and 26 losses in 45 matches against France, with their last victory occurring in 2014.
Pro Tip: Upcoming Fixtures
Sweden continues its autumn schedule next month with back-to-back home matches against Brasilien in Alingsås on Oct. 22 and Jönköping on Oct. 24, ahead of the European Championship in December.
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