The SWOT Validation Set (SVS) is a global gauge-based dataset created for validating river discharge estimates derived from the SWOT mission. It provides discharge time series, gauge metadata, information on the matching of gauges to SWORD river reaches, and auxiliary attributes needed for systematic comparison between satellite-based and in situ discharge observations. By linking gauge stations to corresponding reaches in the SWORD database, the dataset supports consistent validation of SWOT discharge products across diverse hydrological and geographical conditions worldwide.