MIAMI, Florida – A classic in women’s football will take place on Sunday when the United States Women’s National Team plays Sweden in the Round of 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup for a spot in the quarterfinals at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.

This will be the sixth time these teams have shared the pitch in a Women’s World Cup, meaning they are no strangers to each other's tactics and style of play.

However, the USA and Sweden have also faced each other in other major competitions, the last time being in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, in which the Scandinavias took the win. Before that, the current World Champions defeated them at France 2019.

The Swedes finished atop Group G, winning their three matches against South Africa, Italy and Argentina. One of their most impressive areas is their defense with players who are also capable of scoring when needed. DF Amanda Ilestedt is one of the biggest difference-makers in the squad, covering the opponents’ attacks while also being ready to put the ball past the opposing goalkeepers. 

The USWNT were runners-up of Group E after winning versus Vietnam and drawing against the Netherlands and Portugal. They now hold an undefeated run of 20 matches at the Women’s World Cup, the last time they lost being in 2011 against Sweden.

Captain Lindsey Horan has been one of the game-changers so far in the tournament for the USA, controlling the midfield, creating space for the rest of the players and being ready for every scoring chance. She will be one of the key parts in this now classic match in women’s football.

The USWNT has 1W-2D-2L record against the Europeans, the lone win coming in their 2019 title run.

One of the most anticipated matches of the Round of 16, the USA arrive into Melbourne with a game plan to reach the next round, continuing their quest to add a fifth star to their crest.