STOCKHOLM (Sweden) - Swedish basketball fans can celebrate after the country reached FIBA EuroBasket 2025 to end a long 12-year absence from the major tournament.
Since 1995, the Swedes had actually only qualified on one occasion, in 2013, as they hosted the event in 2003 and didn't have to play their way into the tournament.
The country has been pushing their young players to get top training and development outside the country and many of those players have become leaders of the current generation.
Sweden lost to Bulgaria in overtime in the first game of the final window, but their place was confirmed as Germany then defeated Bulgaria in the midst of beating Montenegro in overtime. They previously surprised many in the November 2024 window by defeating world champions Germany 73-72 at home.
How they qualified
Gameday 1: SWE 84-70 BUL Gameday 2: MNE 95-70 SWE Gameday 3: SWE 73-72 GER Gameday 4: GER 80-61 SWE Gameday 5: BUL 81-77 (OT) SWE Gameday 6: SWE 86-83 (OT) MNE
Qualifiers heroes
Melvin Pantzar has taken the next step into being the Swedish team leader at 24 years old. He has carried the Swedes as one of the main pillars through the first five games along with Barra Njie, Viktor Gaddefors, Denzel Andersson and Adam Ramstedt. Ludde Hakanson and Simon Birgander have been strong as well in their appearances.
History
Sweden are back on the continental stage, qualifying for the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 for their first appearance since 2013. It will be the Nordic country's 11th showing in Europe's flagship competition.
Sweden debuted in the EuroBasket in 1953 and competed in five of the next nine editions until 1969. The next participations came in 1983, 1993 and 1995 before hosting the event in 2003. Sweden returned 10 years later and now have ended a 12-year wait.
Best finish: 11th - 1995
Tickets
FIBA