Sweden's Football Future Takes Shape in Kista

Kista chosen as home for Swedish football amid integration efforts

Sweden's football association plans to build a new national football centre in Kista, Stockholm, focusing on integration and innovation to improve the nation's football fortunes.

“It’s like this – football makes brothers and sisters of us all, and it’s something we can all gather around...”

The Swedish Football Association (SvFF) is building a new national football centre in a Stockholm suburb, aiming to boost the country's football fortunes. This project focuses on integration and innovation, hoping to turn things around after a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign.

The men's national team, which was runner-up in the 1958 World Cup and third in 1994, finished last in their qualifying group for the 2026 event. They're now facing a tough playoff path to reach the finals in the US, Canada, and Mexico, with their first match against Ukraine in March

Sweden's women's national team, long a powerhouse in international football, is facing stiff competition from rising stars like England, Spain, and Italy. These teams have made significant strides in recent years, threatening Sweden's usual spot among the favorites.

Recent Challenges for Sweden

England's Resurgence: The Lionesses, led by Sarina Wiegman, have been on a roll, winning Euro 2022 and consistently performing well in major tournaments.

Spain's Dominance: La Roja has claimed the 2023 World Cup title and is known for their impressive squad depth and tactical prowess.

Italy and France's Progress: Both teams have shown significant improvement, making them formidable opponents in international competitions.

Sweden's next challenge is the UEFA Women's Nations League, where they'll face tough opponents, including France, in the bronze medal match.

“In order for us to continue to compete on an international level, we need to create conditions for our players to be able to prepare properly,” SvFF head of football Kim Kallstrom said.

“We also need to have a home for Swedish football where everyone feels that this is where Swedish football starts.”

Kista: A Symbol of Sweden's Integration Journey

Kista, a suburb of Stockholm, is the proposed site for the new national football centre, and its location is telling in the context of Sweden's current football and politics landscape. The area is divided by the blue line of Stockholm's metro, and it's a microcosm of the country's ongoing debate around immigration and integration.

The choice of Kista reflects Sweden's efforts to address these issues, with football seen as a key part of the solution. The area has a diverse population, and the project aims to bring people together, promoting social cohesion and integration through the sport.

“The Swedish sports movement is the country's largest popular movement, and it’s a driving force in giving more people meaningful leisure time. A national football centre in Kista will be a strong and clear investment in sport, but above all in football,” she added.

The proposed national football centre will be strategically located near the E4 motorway, with Stockholm's international airport about 20 minutes away and the Strawberry Arena, Sweden's home stadium, about 10 minutes in the opposite direction. “Kista is the perfect place to establish a football centre, it's a strategic location in the city with very good communications,” said Stockholm's financial controller Karin Wanngard.

“It’s like this – football makes brothers and sisters of us all, and it’s something we can all gather around,” Kallstrom said when asked if he had a message for locals who have often felt ignored in the past.

“I hope we can make this happen, and I hope that you will welcome us with open arms and that we can collaborate together for many, many years to come.”