The 2024/25 European season is quickly approaching, with 236 clubs set to compete in UEFA’s continental club competitions this season.
With the first qualifying round draws less than two weeks away, Extratime Talk will be providing a comprehensive coefficient preview. Between now and then, each country will be previewed, and all clubs participating in Europe for the 2024/25 season are discussed.
In these articles, we will provide analyses of what to expect from each country in Europe. We will explore what is on the line from a coefficient standpoint, and the keys to succeeding, in that country’s case.
Next on the list is Sweden, who is fittingly the 22nd country analyzed in this coefficient preview. Here is a look at what to expect from the Swedish clubs in Europe next term.
Sweden In Europe: Country Profile
| Previous Season Coefficient (Rank) | 1.875 (38th) |
| Previous Season’s 5-Year Coefficient (Rank) | 21.500 (25th) |
| Starting 5-Year Coefficient (Rank) | 15.750 (28th) |
When talking about two completely contrasting seasons, it would be difficult to find a better example of that than Sweden. From earning 6.250 points in 2022/23, to picking up less than a third of that a year later (1.875), it has been two turbulent years for Swedish football.
The good news for them is that Malmö returns after missing out last term. But they cannot just rely on the domestic champion for all the points. Elfsborg, Häcken, and Djurgården will also have to play their part to ensure that the Sweden remains in the race for a top 22 spot. And, given the number of countries so closely bunched together, all four Allsvenskan teams will have to play their part.
Sweden In Europe: Club Profile
| Club | Qualified As | Round of Entry | Total European Seasons | Last Season’s Performance | 5-Year Club Coefficient (2023/24) | 5-Year Country Coefficient Contribution, 2023/24 (%) |
| Malmö FF | Domestic Champion | UCL Q2, CH Path | 43 | N/A | 18.500 | 5.250 (33.3%) |
| Elfsborg | Domestic Runner-up | UEL Q1 | 18 | N/A | 4.300 | 1.125 (7.1%) |
| Häcken | Domestic Third Place | UECL Q2, Main Path | 9 | UEL Group Stage | 6.000 | 1.875 (11.9%) |
| Djurgården | Domestic Fourth Place | UECL Q2, Main Path | 22 | UECL Q2 | 16.500 | 5.250 (33.3%) |
Now in Europe for a 43rd season, Malmö enters the second qualifying round in the Champions League. They have already started off the 2024 Allsvenskan seasaon very well, as they lead the way. Malmö made four group stage appearances in their last five continental journeys, which is easily the best of any Swedish club. Having them back in Europe will be a welcoming sight for those hoping to see Sweden battle for 22nd spot.
Elfsborg benefited from Malmö completing a domestic double, as they enter Q1 of the Europa League. They have enjoyed one season of group stage play, back in the 2007/08 UEFA Cup. Since then, they have made the playoff round on multiple occasions, but never farther. Having to only win three qualifying ties gives them a shot at making a second main round appearance.
Häcken finished bottom of their UEL group last fall, but makes a return to Europe after finishing third in the 2023 season. In what is their second crack at UECL qualifying, Häcken will look to make the Conference League proper for the first time. They will not have it easy though: not only are they unseeded in UECL Q2, but they no longer have the extra protection that domestic champions have. Thus, it will become even more challenging.
Djurgården rounds out the Swedish quartet in Europe next campaign. After losing the Svenska Cupen final to Malmö via penalties, it is a stinging defeat thta lost them UEL qualifying. Still, Dju made the last 16 of the Conference League two years ago. They will be seeded throughout qualifying, giving them a chance at another European run.
Sweden’s Season Ambitions
Sweden’s season ambition will be to finish in 22nd spot. With that said, they start 1.500 points back of Hungary, who leads the chase pack. That is an attainable target, especially with all the countries so closely bunched. The key for Sweden will be to have two or more teams in a league phase. If that happens, 22nd will definitely become even more realistic.
After the dismal 1.875-point showing from last year, 22nd spot could be out of Sweden’s hands before the league phase even begins. If that occurs, then the goal will change to picking up as much points as possible to try and challenge for 22nd again in 2025/26. Sweden only has 2.500 points to defend, and they should really aim to double that number.
What a Successful Season Would Be for Swedish Football
A successful season for Swedish football would see at least two of their clubs in a league phase. If that happens, then things suddenly change. Moreover, even though Häcken will not be seeded in UECL qualifying, progressing through a round would be a win. Elfsborg making it past one or two rounds of UEL qualifying would definitely be seen as a success.
Also, if Sweden can finish at least 25th in the five-year ranking, that should also be seen as a good result going into next year. Getting past four (or more) of the countries around them would also be seen as solid progression. That would put Sweden in pole position for 22nd place come the 2025/26 campaign.
What to Expect From Sweden in 2024/25
This could be a really fun year for Swedish football. Pretty much everything relies on Djurgården, who will look to avoid the same fate as last season, losing at this stage. They cannot afford to make that same mistake again, otherwise, things will be come a lot more challenging for Sweden.
It is hard to see Sweden finishing 22nd at season’s end. Quite a few of the teams in UECL Q2 would feel they can challenge Djurgården for the spot. As previously mentioned, multiple teams in the league phase would be helpful. It is difficult to see Djurgården doing well enough in qualifying to get them over the line.
Expect Sweden to finish between 24th and 26th. That will be seen as a decent year for them, and something to build upon for 2025/26. If Elfsborg and/or Häcken gets to a league phase, that should be enough for 22nd place. As that will probalby not happen, 24th feels like the ceiling for Sweden this year.