Gyokeres Sends Stockholm into Ecstasy as Sweden Book World Cup Spot
Sweden secured their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in dramatic fashion, edging past Poland in a thrilling encounter in Stockholm. A late winner in the 88th minute sealed a memorable night for the hosts, who are heading back to the global stage after an eight-year absence.
The hero of the night was Viktor Gyokeres, the Arsenal forward, who bundled the ball home following a chaotic scramble in the penalty area.
The match itself was a rollercoaster. Sweden twice took the lead, first through Anthony Elanga and later via Carl Starfelt Lagerbielke, showcasing their attacking intent. However, Poland refused to back down.
Nicola Zalewski capitalised on a costly goalkeeping error to bring his side level, before Karol Swiderski struck after the break to make it 2-2. Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski endured a frustrating evening, marking his 165th international appearance without finding the net.
Just as extra time loomed, Gyokeres delivered the decisive blow. His late intervention not only secured a 3-2 victory but also confirmed Sweden's return to the FIFA World Cup.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Qualifiers
Sweden - Poland 3:2 (2:1)
Goals: Elanga, 19 (1:0); Zalewski, 33 (1:1); Lagerbielke, 44 (2:1); Świderski, 55 (2:2); Gyökeres, 88 (3:2)
Sweden: Nordfeldt; Lagerbielke; Lindelöf; Gudmundsson G.; Svensson D.; Starfelt; Karlstrom (Zeneli B., 69); Ayari (Svanberg, 90); Elanga (Bergvall, 69); Nygren (Lundgren G., 81); Gyökeres
Substitution: Bergvall (from 69); Zeneli B. (from 69); Lundgren G. (from 81); Svanberg (from 90)
Bench: Törnqvist N.; Ellborg; Eriksson V.; Swedberg; Larsson Hu.; Ali; Nilsson G.
Yellow Cards: Karlstrom 62; Bergvall 76
Poland: Grabara; Wiśniewski; Bednarek; Kiwior; Cash (Grosicki, 90); Zielinski P.; Kaminski J.; Szymanski S.; Zalewski (Piątek K., 90); Świderski (Pietuszewski, 63); Lewandowski
Substitution: Pietuszewski (from 63); Grosicki (from 90); Piątek K. (from 90)
Bench: Kochalski; Drągowski; Kędziora; Ziolkowski; Bereszynski; Slisz; Rózga; Skóraś; Moder
Yellow Cards: Kiwior 43; Pietuszewski 65; Piątek K. 90
