Having been World Cup runners-up on home ground in 1958 and third place in 1994, the men’s national team ended last in their qualifying group for the 2026 tournament and now face a challenging playoff route to reach the finals in the US, Canada, and Mexico. They will play against Ukraine in a playoff semi-final scheduled for March.

Meanwhile, Sweden's women’s team, traditionally among the top contenders internationally, risks being overtaken by competitors, with England, Spain and Italy all making significant progress in recent years.

“To maintain our competitiveness internationally, we must provide conditions that allow our players to prepare properly,” SvFF’s head of football Kim Kallstrom told Reuters.

“We also need a home for Swedish football where everyone feels this is the starting point for Swedish football.”

The federation plans to construct four natural grass fields, one artificial turf, and an indoor pitch, alongside relocating its offices to the new campus in Kista (pronounced "shee-sta"), about 12 km northwest of Stockholm's city hall.

For 43-year-old former Sweden midfielder Kallstrom, this project offers an opportunity to establish new foundations after recent difficulties, especially for the men’s senior team.

“Although we shouldn’t draw direct comparisons, over the long term, I believe this will be a crucial and central element in the ongoing development of Swedish football,” he explained.

'The ideal location'

A thorough study must be completed before the project receives approval, but the chosen site reflects much about Sweden’s current situation regarding football and politics.

Divided by the blue line of Stockholm’s metro, Kista symbolizes the ongoing debate about immigration and integration in the Nordic nation.

To the east of the metro line are innovative tech firms like Ericsson, generating billions in global revenue annually; to the west lie residential blocks housing many immigrants, whose incomes are lower and unemployment risks higher than Stockholm’s average.

While employment can be scarce for some locals, football opportunities are ample, and the area has produced notable professionals such as defender Isak Hien, who captained Sweden in their recent World Cup qualifier away against Switzerland.

The proposed site is adjacent to the E4 motorway, approximately 20 minutes from the city’s international airport and about 10 minutes from the Strawberry Arena, where Sweden hosts home matches.

“Kista is the perfect location for a football centre; it is strategically positioned within the city with excellent transport links,” Stockholm’s financial controller Karin Wanngard told reporters.

“The Swedish sports movement is the nation’s largest popular movement and plays a key role in providing meaningful leisure activities. Establishing a national football centre in Kista will be a strong, clear investment in sport, and above all, in football,” she added.

Stockholm suburbs such as Kista, Husby, and Rinkeby are often labeled “particularly vulnerable,” a euphemism for areas considered unsafe, and both Kallstrom and Wanngard recognize the impact a new national football centre could have on their reputation.

“It’s like this – football unites us all as brothers and sisters, and it’s something everyone can rally around,” Kallstrom said when asked if he had a message for locals who have often felt overlooked.

“I hope we can make this happen, and that you will welcome us warmly so we can work together for many years ahead.”