France women strengthen Euro build-up with Sweden win

France’s women have extended their winning run to six matches as they continue their preparations for the European Championship. The result gives Sébastien Gardillou’s team further momentum just over two months before the tournament, following a week-long training camp and a demanding friendly against Sweden at the LDLC Arena in Décines.

France won 31-23 after a competitive opening quarter. The teams remained level several times before France produced a six-goal surge in six minutes to create separation. Sweden reduced the deficit to three by half-time, but the French side rebuilt its advantage after the interval. Clarisse Mairot’s goal gave France an eight-goal lead with fewer than 10 minutes remaining, and Sweden could not get closer than six before the hosts pulled away again.

Laura Glauser played a major role in the victory with 11 saves at 42 percent efficiency. Sarah Bouktit led France with six goals, while Lena Grandveau and Clarisse Mairot added five each. Tyra Axnér was Sweden’s leading scorer with seven goals, but France’s defence and goalkeeping ensured the visitors could not sustain their comeback. The French team, silver medallists at the Paris 2024 Olympics, will next face Hungary twice on the road to the Euro: in Győr on October 22 and in Strasbourg on October 25.