Sweden vs South Africa live stream
You can watch Sweden vs South Africa in the Women's World Cup 2023 for free on BBC iPlayer in the UK. In the US, the Women's World Cup live stream is on Fox and Fox Sports. Soccer fans in Australia can tune in via Optus Sport. You can use a VPN to unblock your local stream when travelling overseas. Full details on how to watch Sweden vs South Africa at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 just below.
Sweden vs South Africa preview
The 2023 Women's World Cup has started with a bang of record-breaking attendances, fascinating matches and real intrigue, and the opening match of Group G between Sweden and South Africa should be no different. The Scandinavians have all the experience as 2003 runners-up three-time bronze medallists, with the Banyana Banyana desperate to record their first finals victory after three defeats in their sole appearance four years ago.
No team in Women's World Cup history have won more matches without lifting the trophy than Sweden. The finals bridesmaids have finished runners-up in 2003 and third in 1991, 2011 and 2019 and will again be among the favorites to go deep this tournament. Fridolina Rolfo is an electric attacking left-back for Barcelona but tends to play further forward for her country and it remains to be seen how coach Peter Gerhardsson will use her. Arsenal centre-forward Stina Blackstenius will start up top in a squad packed with experience, from recently departed Chelsea defender Magda Eriksson at the back to 235-cap midfielder and captain Caroline Seger in the middle of the park. They have a mixed record in the opening fixture of a World Cup, but have more recently improved matters with four straight wins to begin the tournament.
South Africa's build-up, meanwhile, has been dominated by a row over their FA demanding better conditions to play and more support, which resulted in a boycott for the 5-0 friendly defeat to Botswana as senior players refused to turn out. Even a 13-year-old played in that fixture. The issue has since been resolved, but it remains to be seen whether the Banyana Banyana can forget about the politics and focus on the football. Though Desiree Ellis' side lost all three group games four years ago, they have since won the African Cup of Nations to qualify for the World Cup, scoring more goals than anyone else. Thembi Kgatlana from NWSL side Racing Louisville is the star up front, while there is some British interest in the form of Glasgow City midfielder Linda Motlhalo. Underdogs they may be, but South Africa will certainly put up a fight.
This is the biggest women's single-sport event in the world and not to be missed. You can follow our guide as we explain all the ways to watch the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 wherever you are – starting with how to watch a Sweden vs South Africa live stream for FREE in the UK and New Zealand, and the paid-for options around the world.
Sweden vs South Africa live stream: watch the Women's World Cup 2023 for FREE in the UK
How to watch Sweden vs South Africa at the Women's World Cup 2023 from outside your country
We've set out how you can live stream Sweden vs South Africa at the Women's World Cup 2023 in a number of countries around the world. However, if you're away travelling for pleasure or for work, you probably won't be able to watch the game like you normally would at home. This is the result of geo-blocking - best understood as digital borders that restrict certain services and content to specific parts of the world.
A good streaming VPN can let you get around these digital borders, while also offering robust protection from cybercriminals and government snooping. They're also easy to use.
Use a VPN to live stream the Women's World Cup 2023 from anywhere: