Falun Gears Up for World Cup Kick-off and WC27 Dress Rehearsal

The cross-country skiing world descends on Falun, Sweden, from February 28th to March 1st, 2026, for the final World Cup period of the season. This event serves not only as a battle for crucial points but also as a vital dress rehearsal for the 2027 World Championships, which Falun will host.

Home Advantage and Expanded Opportunities

National team manager Anders Byström emphasized the energy boost of competing before a home crowd, stating, “Falun always means something extra to us. Being able to compete in front of a Swedish audience gives energy and we look forward to inviting you back with offensive skiing.”

As the host nation, Sweden benefits from an expanded national quota, allowing for more athletes to participate and gain valuable World Cup experience. At least two U23 skaters are required to be on the team, fostering development and confidence in the future of Swedish cross-country skiing.

Stars and Rising Talents

Several established Swedish skiers, including Maja Dahlqvist, Moa Ilar, Anton Grahn, and Calle Halfvarsson, call Falun their home arena. Their familiarity with the terrain and strong local support are expected to draw large crowds.

Byström highlighted the importance of this weekend as a stepping stone towards the 2027 World Championships, saying, “With the WC on home ground next year, every race in Falun is part of our upload. The journey starts here – and we see the weekend as a dress rehearsal where we both want to perform and take the next step in our upcoming WC venture.”

New Faces on the World Stage

The expanded national quota provides opportunities for emerging talents such as Emilia Eriksson, Tove Ericsson, Theo Mattei, and Wilhelm Sterner to compete alongside the world’s elite. These athletes represent a broad geographical range within Sweden, from Kiruna to Ulricehamn.

“It’s great to see so many new faces in the World Cup. The national quota gives us the opportunity to give more people the chance to compete at the highest level,” Byström added.

Team Rosters

Sprint, Freestyle

• Ladies: Maja Dahlqvist, Johanna Hagström, Moa Hansson, Elin Henriksson, Moa Ilar, Lisa Ingesson, Frida Karlsson, Moa Lundgren, Elin Näslund, Emma Ribom, Märta Rosenberg, Linn Svahn
• Gentlemen: Oskar Algotsson, Edvin Anger, Erik Bergström, Emil Danielsson, George Ersson, Anton Grahn, Marcus Grate, Johan Häggström, Erik Johansson, Olof Jonsson, Jesper Persson, Wilhelm Sterner

Skiathlon

• Ladies: Ebba Andersson, Maja Dahlqvist, Emilia Eriksson, Tove Ericsson, Moa Ilar, Lisa Ingesson, Frida Karlsson, Moa Lundgren, Emma Ribom, Märta Rosenberg, Elina Rönnlund, Linn Svahn
• Gentlemen: Oskar Algotsson, Edvin Anger, Gustaf Berglund, Johan Ekberg, Jonas Eriksson, Truls Gisselman, Calle Halfvarsson, Johan Häggström, Leo Johansson, Jonatan Lindberg, Theo Mattei, Eric Rosjö

Broadcast Information

The World Cup weekend in Falun will be broadcast on Viaplay Winter and Viaplay Sport.

Schedule

• Saturday, February 28: Sprint Freestyle (Qualification: 13:00, Final: 15:30)
• Sunday, March 1: Skiathlon (Gentlemen: 12:30, Ladies: 16:05)

Note: Jonna Sundling and William Poromaa will not participate in the Falun competitions due to illness.