Stina Blackstenius will captain Sweden women’s national football team in this month’s 2027 World Cup qualifiers against Denmark women’s national football team and Serbia women’s national football team.

Regular captain Kosovare Asllani is sidelined as she prepares for cruciate ligament surgery, while vice-captain Nathalie Björn is also unavailable due to injury.

Head coach Tony Gustavsson has therefore entrusted the armband to the 30-year-old forward for the upcoming home fixtures—against Denmark in Gothenburg on 14 April and Serbia in Solna four days later.

Gustavsson praised Blackstenius as a highly experienced player who understands the demands of big matches and consistently leads by example both on and off the pitch.

Sweden’s campaign began with a narrow 1-0 away victory over Italy women’s national football team, followed by a goalless draw in Serbia. Currently sitting second in Group A1, they will be aiming to secure maximum points at home—particularly against group leaders Denmark—to strengthen their chances of automatic qualification.

Leadership responsibilities within the squad are shared, with Gustavsson favouring multiple leaders across different areas of the pitch. However, the captaincy itself is determined simply by experience, with the armband going to the player with the most international appearances. Blackstenius, who has earned 125 caps, fits that role perfectly.

Keeping key players fit remains a concern, however. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd has joined the squad but has not been training fully due to a calf injury that recently kept her out of action for Chelsea Women.

“The latest update I’ve received is that it’s a day-to-day situation. As we get closer to the match, the medical staff will provide further clarity, and we’ll then decide whether she can be included or if a replacement is needed,” said Tony Gustavsson.

If the forward is unable to feature, Sweden women’s national football team will be left with just five players who have 50 or more international caps heading into these crucial qualifiers.