The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has not gone according to plan for the United States, but they still have everything to play for. The two-time defending champions were expected by FIFA World Cup betting sites to win their group and set the tone heading into the knockout round. But a pair of draws and only four goals in three games have the team in turmoil, with former players like Carli Lloyd blaming leadership and a lack of passion.
Sweden, on the other hand, have outscored opponents 8-1 in the tournament so far and have also shown the ability to beat the US in the past. Before making Sweden vs USA picks for the round of 16 game, let’s take a look at both teams.
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Overall Game Info & Outlook
Sweden vs USA
Location of the game: Melbourne Rectangular St, AU
Date & Time: August 6, 2023 – 3:00 a.m. ET
How to watch: FOX
Sweden vs. USA Betting Preview
Sweden Preview
The European nation came into the FIFA World Cup with a 2-1-2 record in 2023. They beat China and the Philippines in friendlies, lost to Denmark, and drew against both Norway and Germany. For those that bet on soccer, Sweden was the favorite to win their group, but they are still +2000 to win the entire tournament.
After trailing South Africa in the opening game on the group soccer schedule, Sweden scored two goals in the second half to win 2-1. They haven’t allowed a goal in the last 224 minutes with a 5-0 win over Italy and a 2-0 win over Argentina.
- Sweden has eight all-time wins against the US, with 12 draws in 43 games.
- Sweden is 5-1 all-time in the round of 16 at the World Cup.
- Sweden is 1-4-2 against the US at the World Cup, but all of the meetings have been in the group stage.
- Sweden beat the US in the quarterfinals of the 2016 Olympics on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw.
Swedish Lions Ready to Roar Against the Americans
Sweden has nine goals in the World Cup, tied for second behind Japan’s 11 in the group stage. Amanda Ilestedt leads the Swedes with three goals so far in the World Cup, tied for second in the entire tournament. Rebecca Blomqvist and Fridolina Rolfo both have two goals from the group stage.
Only Norway (19) and China (9) have more wins all-time against the US than Sweden’s eight. While not everyone on both rosters was there at the 2016 Olympics, and the coaches have changed, Sweden will not be scared heading into this game, and they know all the pressure is on the Americans.
Sweden’s offense has been fantastic over the last 2.5 games, with nine goals. They need to pressure the US for the full 90 minutes and take every opportunity to grab an early lead and put the Americans on the back foot. Zecira Musovic has allowed just one goal in the tournament, and she will likely be tested throughout this game.
USA Preview
The shine seems to be off the United States team, as opponents are no longer intimidated when the game starts. Part of that came with the US falling in the Tokyo Olympics to Canada, and it increased when the USWNT lost three straight games in 2022 for the first time since 1993. They still entered the tournament with the best Women’s World Cup odds but are now behind England and Spain in the odds to win it all.
The US have scored just one goal in the last two games, a rarity for a usually potent offense. Sophia Smith entered the tournament among popular soccer picks to win the Golden Boot, and she scored twice in the opening win against Vietnam. However, Alex Morgan is yet to score, and Megan Rapinoe has become a super sub, also goalless so far in the tournament.
- The US had scored in 12 straight games dating back to November 2022 before the 0-0 game against Portugal.
- The US are 8-0 in the round of 16 in their World Cup history.
- The US has scored at least two goals in 10 of their last 12 World Cup games.
- The USA has made it to the semifinals in every World Cup.
- Sweden (2016 Olympics) is the only team to beat the US in a World Cup, Olympics, or CONCACAF Championship in the round of 16 or quarterfinals.
USA’s Offense Seeking Redemption in Sweden Showdown
Smith and Lindsay Horan have both scored twice thus far in the World Cup, with Horan netting the equalizer against the Netherlands. The US still outshot Portugal 17-6 in the final group game, but none of the six shots on goal found the back of the net. They have outshot opponents 63-11 in the tournament but only have four goals.
To support the Americans when making Sweden vs USA picks, the offense has to figure out how to finish. Smith and Horan have combined for all four goals, but they need help from Morgan, Trinity Rodman, or Lynn Williams. Rose Lavelle will miss this game with a yellow card suspension which may give Rapinoe more minutes. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher has only allowed one goal in 270 minutes thus far and will need to come up big to keep Sweden’s offense at bay.
Top Sportsbooks Odds
Betonline: USA +108 Sweden +273 Draw +232
Bovada: USA +110 Sweden +270 Draw +225
MyBookie: USA +110 Sweden +270 Draw +220
BetUS: USA +112 Sweden +268 Draw +222
BetNow: USA +111 Sweden +269 Draw +218
Sweden vs. USA Odds & Picks
- Moneyline: Looking at the soccer odds for Sweden vs USA picks, the defending champions are still favored at +110 on the moneyline. Sweden is +270, and a draw after 90 minutes is +220.
- Spread: The over 2.5 goals is +125, and under 2.5 goals is -161.
Odds for this Matchup:
| Sweden | Draw | USA |
| +273 | +232 | +108 |
Recommended Pick:
One of the top Sweden vs USA picks is to take under 2.5 goals. The way both teams have played stingy defense in this tournament, and really all of 2023, goals should be hard to come by on Sunday. A 1-0 game or a 1-1 draw headed to penalty kicks is more likely than a barrage of goals.
- Pick: Under 2.5 goals -161
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