sweden vs latvia: Sweden dominates 3-0 friendly in Solna

Solna, Sweden — March 26, 2026 (3: 00 PM ET) — Sweden delivered a controlled performance and a tidy 3-0 victory over Latvia in an international friendly that functioned as both a tune-up and a statement of depth. The home side managed the tempo from the outset, converting an early set-piece opportunity and extending the lead after halftime while rotating personnel to test options ahead of competitive dates.

Match summary

Sweden opened the scoring within the first quarter-hour when a well-worked corner routine unlocked space in the box. The opener loosened Latvia’s shape and allowed Sweden to grow into the match without overcommitting. The hosts pressed high in phases, forcing turnovers on the edge of the penalty area and creating chances from quick transitions.

Latvia had moments of solidity and offered counterthreats down the wings, but their best opportunities were blunted by composed defending and a couple of timely saves from the Swedish goalkeeper. Early in the second half Sweden doubled the lead with a composed finish after a slick combination through midfield, and a late substitute added a third to put the result beyond doubt.

Manager rotation was visible late: several players under consideration for competitive squads were given valuable minutes. Substitutions emphasized attacking variety and defensive options, giving the coaching staff fresh data on player chemistry and fitness ahead of looming qualifiers and tournament preparation windows.

Tactical takeaways

Two clear tactical themes emerged from the match. First, Sweden’s full-backs were encouraged to invert and join midfield build-up, creating overloads between the lines that destabilized Latvia’s central block. That movement generated pockets for forwards to exploit and opened more direct lanes into the final third.

Second, set pieces proved decisive. Sweden’s routines from corners and dead-ball situations had been a focus in training and paid dividends in the first goal. Latvia defended with disciplined marking but struggled to cope with rapid near-post flicks and late arriving midfield runners.

On the defensive end, Sweden demonstrated improved compactness. When Latvia advanced the ball centrally, midfielders were quick to drop and double-team, forcing the visitors to rely on wide deliveries that were generally easier to manage.

What this means next

The win provides the home side with both confidence and clarity. Squad members who impressed will push for inclusion in the next competitive roster, while fringe players who struggled will return to club duty with clear areas for improvement. For Latvia, the match exposed vulnerabilities in defending set pieces and coping with high-tempo transitions; it also offered competitive minutes for younger players who will form part of their long-term planning.

Both teams now shift focus toward official fixtures. Sweden will take this result as validation of several tactical adjustments and will use the next international window to refine personnel choices and match rhythm. Latvia will return to analysis, looking to tighten defensive routines and increase threat on the counter in training sessions ahead of qualification matches.

In short, the Sweden vs Latvia friendly served its purpose: a controlled arena for testing ideas, a confidence boost for the winners, and a pragmatic assessment for both staffs as they head into more consequential fixtures.