In one of the most thrilling matches of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Sweden defeated Poland 3-2 at the Friends Arena, securing their place in the tournament for the 13th time in Scandinavian history.
Sweden took the lead in the 18th minute through Antonín Illanga, but Nikola Zalewski equalized for the visitors in the 33rd minute. Gustav Lagerbäcki then put the home side ahead again in the 44th minute.
Karoel Sviderski leveled the score for Poland in the 55th minute, and just when it seemed the match was headed to extra time, Viktor Györgyi scored a dramatic winner for Sweden in the 88th minute.
This victory secured Sweden’s qualification for the World Cup despite one of their worst qualifying campaigns in history.
Sweden finished bottom of their group, which included Slovenia, Kosovo, and Switzerland, with just two points, suffering four defeats and drawing twice, failing to win a single match in the European qualifiers. Fortunately for Sweden, they had already qualified for the European playoffs thanks to their results in the UEFA Nations League.
Sweden’s first win in the qualifiers came against Ukraine with a 3-1 victory in the playoff semi-final, and now they have secured just their second win, guaranteeing Graham Potter’s team a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Thus, Sweden will join the group that includes the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia at the 2026 World Cup, with their campaign beginning against the Carthage Eagles on June 15th.
