Sweden is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, as well as one of the largest in Europe. This Scandinavian country is located in Northern Europe and sports are considered as one of the country's biggest obsessions.

varpa player in Gotland

Varpa player in Gotland

Around half of the country's population actively take part in one form of sport or two. As with most European countries, football is almost like a religion to the Swedish public. Some of the best football players in the world are from Sweden, such as Johan Elmander, Rasmus Elm, and Zlatan Ibrahimović.

"Sweden's high rate of sports participation - with roughly half the population actively involved - reflects the country's emphasis on outdoor activities and well-developed sports infrastructure. This widespread engagement has created a pipeline for world-class athletes across multiple disciplines."
— Robert Wood, founder of Topend Sports

And who in the football world has not heard of the Swedish Gre-No-Li, a trio of football powerhouse who are still enjoying a great amount of popularity in Italy. The trio is made up of Gunnar Gren, Gunnar Nordahl, and Nils Liedholm. But the biggest name, not just in Sweden and Italy, but the world as a whole, is Sven-Göran Eriksson.

They have also hosted quite a number of international football events and have had a good amount of notoriety. Sweden hosted the 1958 World Cup and 1992 European Football Championship. Sweden is also one of the few European countries that can claim that they have never lost to England since 1968.

Sweden at the Olympics

Here are some of the medals Sweden won at recent Olympic Games:

  • Sweden won 11 medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics (4 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze)
  • Sweden won 9 medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (3 gold and 6 silver)
  • Sweden won 11 medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics (2 gold, 6 silver, 3 bronze)
  • Sweden won 8 medals at the 2012 London Olympics (1 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze)
  • Sweden won 5 medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics (4 silver and 1 bronze)
  • Sweden won 7 medals at the Athens 2004 Olympics (4 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze)

Below are details of sports, sporting events and sports people related to Sweden. See also the list of the most popular internet searches for "sports" in Sweden.

Popular Sports of Sweden

  • Football (Soccer), Tennis, Skiing, Handball, Ice Hockey, Floorball, Golf, Sailing, Cross-Country Skiing, Curling

See more about popular sports in Sweden.

Traditional or Local Sports of Sweden

  • Kubb — a lawn game where the object is to knock over wooden blocks ('kubbs') by throwing wooden batons at them.
  • Pärk (also called Paerk) — an outdoor team sport that originated in Gotland, where players hit or kick the ball to gain field position.
  • Varpa — an old outdoor game dating back to the Viking Age. It is similar to boules but played with a flat and heavy thrower known as "varpa" instead of balls, once made of shaped stones, but nowadays, aluminum is more popular.
  • Bandy - This is a team sport similar to ice hockey, which is played with a ball instead of a puck.
"Sweden's preservation of traditional sports like Varpa, which dates back to the Viking Age, represents a unique connection to Scandinavian sporting heritage found nowhere else in the world. The annual Stanga Games in Gotland keep these ancient traditions alive."
— Sports science expert Robert Wood

Pro Tip: To experience Sweden's unique sporting heritage, visit Gotland during the annual Stanga Games (also known as the 'Gotland Olympics') where you can watch traditional sports like Varpa and Pärk that date back centuries.

kubb batons

kubb batons

Sweden Sporting Success

  • Sweden were runners-up at the 1958 FIFA World Cup
  • Sweden secured the third-place position twice - 1950 FIFA World Cup and 1994 FIFA World Cup
  • Sweden National Ice Hockey Team has won the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship 11 times
  • Sweden has won the Davis Cup 7 times - 1975, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1994, 1997, 1998

Unbeaten Record

Sweden holds a remarkable record of never losing to England in football since 1968. This impressive streak spans over 55 years and includes several high-profile matches at major tournaments.

Sweden World Cup History →
"Sweden's sustained excellence in ice hockey with 11 world titles and tennis with 7 Davis Cup wins demonstrates the nation's remarkable ability to develop world-class athletes across both team and individual sports. This consistency over decades is exceptional."
— Robert J. Wood, PhD, Founder of Topend Sports

Great Athletes from Sweden

  • Björn Borg (tennis)
  • Annika Sörenstam (golf)
  • Zlatan Ibrahimović (football)
  • Magdalena Forsberg (biathlon)
  • Patrik Sjöberg (high jump)
  • Peter Forsberg (ice hockey)
  • Börje Salming (ice hockey)
  • Gunde Svan (cross-country skiing)
  • Ingemar Johansson (boxing)
  • Ronnie Peterson (Formula 1)
  • Anja Pärson (alpine skiing)
  • Ingemar Stenmark (alpine skiing)

The Gre-No-Li Trio

The legendary Swedish football trio of Gunnar Gren, Gunnar Nordahl, and Nils Liedholm (Gre-No-Li) became icons in Italian football while playing for AC Milan in the 1940s-50s, helping establish Sweden's football reputation worldwide.

More About Football →

Sweden at Major Events

Past Sporting Events Hosted in Sweden

2025 Ice Hockey World Championship

Sweden will host the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, continuing its tradition of hosting major international sporting events. The tournament will showcase Sweden's 11-time world championship legacy.

Ice Hockey World Championships →

Annual Sporting Events Held in Sweden

  • Swedish Open - tennis tournament held in July each year in Båstad
  • Stanga Games (the "Gotland Olympics") - annual traditional sports event in Gotland
  • The Vasaloppet - This is the world's oldest and biggest ski race. It is held annually in March, and it is 90 kilometers long.
  • The Swedish Open - This is a professional tennis tournament held every summer.
  • The Swedish Grand Prix - This is a Formula One race held at the Anderstorp Raceway.
  • The Swedish Ice Hockey Championships - This is the biggest ice hockey event in Sweden.
  • The Swedish Football Cup - This is an annual national football cup competition held in Sweden.

Pro Tip: The Vasaloppet, held annually in March, is the world's oldest and largest ski race at 90 kilometers. Spectators can watch from multiple points along the route or participate in shorter distance events suitable for recreational skiers.

Sporting Facilities in Sweden

Is there something missing? If you know of something that should be listed here, please let me know.