Sweden get their Women's World Cup campaign underway against South Africa, looking to surprise the world and also end their World Cup drought.
Despite being historically one of the best women's football teams in history, a World Cup win has alluded the Swedes over the years, with their best finish being a runners-up medal in 2003.
With many of the teams in Europe now catching up with them, it will make the task even harder, but Sweden are still ranked third in the FIFA World rankings.
They come up against a South African side playing in their second successive World Cup, but have been embroiled in off-pitch scandal before the tournament in payment disputes with their federation.
MORE: Complete Women's World Cup schedule
What time is Sweden vs South Africa kickoff?
Sweden's opening Group G match against South Africa begins on July 23 at 7:00 p.m. local time at Wellington Regional Stadium.
- Date: Sunday, July 23
- Time: 7:00 p.m. NZT (3:00 a.m. ET)
Here is how that corresponds to timezones around the world:
| Timezone | Time |
|---|---|
| Australia (AEST) | 5:00 p.m. |
| New Zealand (NZT) | 7:00 p.m. |
| USA (ET) | 3:00 a.m. |
| UK (BST) | 8:00 a.m. |
| Singapore (SGT) | 3:00 p.m. |
| Malaysia (MYT) | 3:00 p.m. |
| Hong Kong (HKT) | 3:00 p.m. |
| India (IST) | 12:30 p.m. |
Sweden vs South Africa TV, live stream, how to watch
The match will be available to watch on TV, or to be watched online or through live stream in multiple regions in the world:
| Country | Television | Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Optus Sport | Optus Sport website/app |
| New Zealand | Sky Sports 1 | Sky Sport NOW |
| USA | Fox Sports, Universo | Fubo, Peacock, Universo NOW, Telemundo Deportes site/app, Fox Sports site/app |
| Canada | TSN, RDS (French) | TSN+, RDS.ca (French) |
| UK | BBC Two | BBC iPlayer |
| Singapore | Singtel | Singtel TV GO, MeWatch |
| Hong Kong | NOW Sports Prime | NOW Sports Prime |
| Malaysia | — | FIFA Plus |
| India | — | — |
Sweden vs South Africa lineups
Fridolina Rolfo and Stina Blackstenius are the key players up front for Sweden, with the former coming into the tournament on the back of a brilliant season for Barcelona.
The experienced Magdalena Eriksson and Linda Sembrant will anchor the defence.
- Sweden projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Falk (GK) — Ilestedt, Sembrandt, Eriksson, Andersson — Bjorn, Angeldahl — Rytting Kaneryd, Asllani, Rolfo — Blackstenius
South Africa will look towards Refiloe Jane to try and control the midfield, while Noko Matlou will be an important piece at the back to hold off a strong Sweden attack.
- South Africa projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Dlamini (GK) — Gamede, Matlou, Mbane, Magama — Jane, Kgoale — Cesane, Motlhalo, Kgadiete — Kgatlana
Sweden vs South Africa betting odds
Sweden are expected to have few issues winning their opening match of the Women's World Cup.
Their superior quality and lack of drama compared to their opponents in their preparations means any bet on the Swedes got get victory will most likely be a good one.
| Sweden win | Draw | South Africa win | Both teams to score Y / N | Over / Under 2.5 goals | SWE -1.5 | RSA +1.5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM (USA) | 1/11 | 19/2 | 25/1 | 23/100 / 29/100 | 51/100 / 7/5 | — | — |
| Sports Interaction (Canada) | -1111 | +1000 | +1300 | +190/-333 | -204/+145 | — | — |
| SkyBet (UK) | 1/12 | 8/1 | 28/1 | 2/1 / 4/11 | 1/2 / 6/4 | — | — |
| Dafabet (India) | 1/14 | 13/2 | 18/1 | 2/1 / 1/3 | 46/100 / 6/4 | 1/3 | 2/1 |
| Unibet (Australia) | 1.10 | 9.50 | 21.00 | 3.05/1.34 | 1.45/2.63 | 1.35 | 3.15 |
Odds correct as of July 19
