Viktor Gyokeres Sweden World Cup qualification secured as late winner beats Poland 3-2 in dramatic play-off final

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres delivered a dramatic late winner on Tuesday night to send Sweden to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a thrilling 3-2 play-off victory over Poland.

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The decisive moment came in the 88th minute when Viktor Gyokeres reacted quickest in a chaotic goalmouth scramble to force the ball over the line, sealing Sweden’s place at the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The result marked a powerful return to football’s biggest stage for Sweden, who had missed the last World Cup in 2022 and endured an inconsistent qualification campaign before securing their play-off spot.

The Viktor Gyokeres Sweden World Cup qualification strike capped a tense encounter in Stockholm, where both sides traded momentum in a high-intensity battle from start to finish.

Sweden initially took the lead through Anthony Elanga, who finished clinically after a clever backheel assist, before Poland responded to level the score through Nicola Zalewski.

Gustaf Lagerbielke restored Sweden’s advantage just before half-time, heading home from a well-delivered set piece to send the home fans into celebration.

Poland fought back again in the second half, with Karol Swiderski tapping in from close range after sustained pressure from the visitors, setting up a nervy final stretch.

As the match appeared destined for extra time, Viktor Gyokeres produced his decisive intervention, reacting fastest inside the box to bundle the ball home and ignite scenes of celebration in Stockholm.

The victory ensures Sweden’s return to the World Cup after an eight-year absence and marks a significant achievement for their coaching setup under Graham Potter.

For Poland, the defeat represents a major setback, as they fail to qualify for a World Cup for the first time since 2014, despite efforts led by veteran striker Robert Lewandowski.

The match itself swung repeatedly, with both sides creating chances in a frantic and emotionally charged contest that kept fans on edge until the final whistle.

Sweden now join the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia in Group F of the upcoming tournament, setting the stage for a highly competitive group phase.

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For Viktor Gyokeres, the night will be remembered as a defining career moment, delivering a powerful late strike that carried his nation back onto football’s biggest global stage.