The US Women’s National Team faces its toughest test yet at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup when it takes on Sweden in the Round of 16 on Sunday, August 6 at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. 

Watch USA-Sweden on Sunday, August 6 at 5 a.m. ET on FOX, Telemundo, Universo and Peacock.

This matchup between the two global women’s soccer powers promises to be an epic encounter. The USWNT and Sweden have faced each other six previous times at the Women’s World Cup, but this will be the first meeting in the knockout rounds. 

The Swedes will pose a stern challenge for the Americans. Ranked #2 in the world, Sweden won Group G in commanding fashion, outscoring opponents 7-1. They also defeated the USWNT 3-0 in the Tokyo Olympics group stage on the way to a silver medal finish. 

Sweden boasts a roster loaded with talent, featuring difference-makers like Kosovare Asllani, Sofia Jakobsson, Stina Blackstenius and Fridolina Rolfo. Defender Amanda Ilestedt has been a force, scoring three goals already at this World Cup.

While the USWNT struggled for consistency in the group stage, they will need to flip the switch against the Swedes. The status of winger Megan Rapinoe is up in the air after she missed training with a minor injury. 

Nonetheless, the Americans are 4-1-1 all-time against Sweden at the World Cup, including a 2-0 victory in the 2019 group stage. Star midfielder Lindsey Horan and forwards Alex Morgan and Sophia Smith will look to pace the USWNT attack.

The winner of this match will face either Japan or Norway in the quarterfinals. The USWNT certainly has the talent to make a deep run, but must first take care of business against the disciplined and organized Swedes.

After underwhelming group stage performances, the USWNT finds itself with little margin for error in the knockout rounds. Sweden has all the components to capitalize should the Americans falter again. 

An inspired effort will be required for the USWNT to keep its hopes of a record fourth Women’s World Cup title alive. The stage is set for a classic USA vs. Sweden showdown with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line.

Make sure to stick to Bluegrass Soccer Cast (@BGSoccerCast on all social media platforms) for full coverage of USWNT and everything soccer in our beautiful Commonwealth. 

Photo By USWNT