Sweden Qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup with Dramatic 3-2 Win Over Poland

Solna, March 31, 2026 — Sweden secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Poland in the UEFA Path B Final on Tuesday night at the Strawberry Arena.Viktor Gyökeres scored a dramatic late winner in the 88th minute to send the Swedish fans into wild celebrations and end Sweden’s eight-year absence from the World Cup.

Match Summary

The game was an end-to-end thriller with both teams showing attacking intent from the start. Sweden took the lead in the 20th minute through Anthony Elanga, but Poland quickly responded with an equalizer from Nicola Zalewski in the 33rd minute.Sweden regained the advantage just before halftime when defender Gustaf Lagerbielke headed home in the 44th minute. However, Poland refused to give up and leveled the score again in the 55th minute through Karol Świderski.With the match heading toward extra time, superstar striker Viktor Gyökeres delivered the decisive blow in the 88th minute, scoring the winning goal that qualified Sweden for the World Cup.

Goal Scorers

Sweden:

Anthony Elanga (20')

Gustaf Lagerbielke (44')

Viktor Gyökeres (88')

Poland:

Nicola Zalewski (33')

Karol Świderski (55')

Historic Qualification

This victory marks Sweden’s return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2018. The result was especially sweet as it came in front of a passionate home crowd at the Strawberry Arena.Under their current coaching setup, Sweden showed great character and resilience, coming from behind twice before securing the late winner.


Group Stage Draw

Sweden will compete in Group F at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside:

Netherlands

Japan

Tunisia

Significance

The win not only ends Sweden’s World Cup exile but also highlights the strong resurgence of Swedish football. Viktor Gyökeres’ heroics will be remembered as one of the iconic moments in recent Swedish football history.Sweden will now prepare for what promises to be a highly competitive group stage when the 2026 World Cup begins in North America next summer.