Spain vs Sweden lineups, starting 11 for Women's World Cup semifinal

08-15-2023
5 min read
Getty Images

The first semifinal of the 2023 Women's World Cup sees a clash between two European sides who have opted for different approaches at the tournament.

Spain made a raft of changes after a heavy defeat in the group stages, which saw several key players dropped from the starting side – and it seems to have produced the desired results for coach Jorge Vilda.

Sweden, on the other hand, have maintained a stable squad that has rarely been rotated, which has seen them defeat two former World Champions on their way to the semifinal.

The Sporting News takes a look at the starting lineups for both teams ahead of their match at Eden Park on August 15.

MORE: All the details about the World Cup semifinals

Spain vs Sweden lineups

Spain starting 11

Spain starting lineup (4-3-3): 23. Cata Coll (GK) — 2. Ona Batlle, 4. Irene Paredes, 14. Laia Codina, 19. Olga Carmona — 6. Aitana Bonmati, 3. Teresa Abelleira, 11. Alexia Putellas — 8. Mariona Caldentey 10. Jennifer Hermoso 17. Alba Redondo

  • Injured: N/A
  • Suspended: Oihane Hernandez

After their humbling defeat to Japan in the group stages Jorge Vilda showed no mercy as he dropped a series of players from the starting lineup, including goalkeeper Maria Rodriguez, captain Ivana Andres and two time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas.

Putellas' omission has been particularly notable, but the star midfielder is back in the first XI to take on Sweden, allowing veteran striker Jennifer Hermoso to revert to her natural position.

Scroll to Continue with Content

Sweden starting 11

Sweden starting lineup (4-2-3-1 right to left): 1. Zecira Musovic (GK) — 2. Jonna Andersson, 13. Amanda Ilestedt, 6. Magdalena Eriksson, 14. Nathalie Bjorn — 16. Filipp Angeldal, 23. Elin Rubensson — 19. Johanna Kaneryd, 9. Kosovare Asllani, 18. Fridolina Rolfo — 11. Stina Blackstenius

  • Injured: N/A
  • Suspended: N/A

Sweden are unchanged after their superb quarterfinal win over a highly fancied Japan.

Zecira Musovic will need to have another strong game in goal against a Spain attack capable of quickly overwhelming their opponents, but they have only conceded two goals all tournament, which is a testament to their defensive unit as a whole.

Amanda Ilestadt, part of the solid defence, has made headlines at the other end of the pitch, with the centre-back scoring an incredible four goals at the tournament, making her the equal second-best scorer at the tournament and also highlighting Sweden's threat from set pieces.

Fridolona Rolfo and Stina Blackstenius start in attack once again and will look to get at Spain's defence which has shown vulnerability to the counter-attack.

MORE: World Cup attendance tracker

Spain vs Sweden live stream, TV channel

Fans around the world will be able to watch the Spain vs Sweden match, with the semifinal being available to watch on both TV as well as online live streaming options.

  TV channel Streaming
USA FOX Fubo, Fox Sports site/app,
Peacock,
Telemundo Deportes En Vivo (Spanish)
UK BBC One, RTE 2 BBC iPlayer, RTE Player, BBC Sport Web
Australia Optus Sport, Channel Seven Optus Sport, 7Plus
Canada TSN1, TSN 4, TSN 5, RDS, CTV TSN+, RDS app, CTV App, Noovo
India DD Sports FanCode
New Zealand Sky Sport 1 NZ, Prime TV Sky Sport NOW, Prime TV
Singapore FIFA WWC CH01 meWATCH
Hong Kong Now Sports Prime Now Player
Malaysia  — FIFA+

Fans in select regions of the world – including Japan, Brazil, Indonesia and Thailand – can stream the Women's World Cup live on FIFA+ online.