Sweden claimed their place on the World Cup finals in dramatic circumstances as a Viktor Gyökeres purpose two minutes from the top despatched them into the event at Poland’s expense.
Key moments
20′ Elanga bends in sensible left-footed opener
33‘ Zalewski finds far nook to stage for Poland
44‘ Lagerbielke nods in to restore Sweden lead
55‘ Świderski faucets in for guests to make it 2-2
88‘ Gyökeres slams in decisive purpose to win it for hosts
Match in short: Viktor Gyökeres grabs late winner
The residence facet went forward with the primary notable likelihood of the match as a flowing transfer ended with Yasin Ayari shedding for Anthony Elanga to bend a wonderful left-footed effort into the highest nook.
Poland quickly hit again, with Nicola Zalewski claiming a leveller when his drifting try from the left channel edged previous Kristoffer Nordfeldt with the slightest spark off Jesper Karlström.
Sweden responded to that earlier than the break, entering into entrance as soon as once more when Gustaf Lagerbielke headed in from shut vary after Benjamin Nygren’s floated free kick.
But as soon as once more the guests got here again, equalising for a second time as Karol Świderski tapped in after breaking the offside entice with Zalewski.
As stress descended, each side appeared nervous as they sought a winner within the closing levels and with neither actually trying like getting it, additional time appeared to beckon.
But then up stepped Gyökeres, who rifled in on the rebound after Lucas Bergvall had been denied and Besfort Zeneli hit the submit, to ship Sweden via and spark wild scenes of celebration on the pitch and within the stands.
Key stat: Sweden will play in a World Cup for the thirteenth time following their first finals qualification since 2018.
Phil O’Connor, match reporter
This will certainly go down as one of many best nights in Swedish soccer historical past. They solely acquired two factors and completed backside of their World Cup qualifying group, however they made it into the play-offs thanks to their victory in Nations League Group C1. They made essentially the most of that second likelihood by beating Ukraine and Poland to qualify for the World Cup.
Reaction
Graham Potter, Sweden coach, talking to Sveriges Radio: “Unbelievable night. Wow, just to be part of that is an incredible honour, and incredible experience. I’m just so pleased for the team. It was tough, but I’m just incredibly proud of the team. It was a dramatic game, so difficult to control, the emotion and what’s at stake.”
Viktor Gyökeres, Sweden striker, talking to Viaplay: “To do it on home soil is indescribable. We believed in it until the end and that’s why we’re in the World Cup. Regardless of whether you get a lot of balls or not, you try to be connected and present. That was me, especially at the end when we had some half-dangerous chances.”
Jan Urban, Poland coach: “I feel so helpless, because it’s hard to explain. After such an encounter where it still hurts a lot, knowing that you played a good match. I think that our game surprised them. But if in some situations you concede a goal, it is not so easy to deal with the loss later. We did it twice, but at the end of the game their fans in the stands carried them.”
Line-ups
Sweden: Nordfeldt; Svensson, Lagerbielke, Starfelt, Lindelöf, Gudmundsson; Elanga (Bergvall 69), Ayari (Svanberg 90+2), Karlström (Zeneli 69), Nygren (Lundgren 81); Gyökeres
Poland: Grabara; Bednarek, Wiśniewski, Kiwior; Cash (Grosicki 90+1), Zalewski (Piątek 90+2), Zieliński, Szymański, Kamiński; Świderski (Pietuszewski 63), Lewandowski
What occurs now?
Sweden take the ultimate spot in Group F on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming a member of Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.
