Sweden vs Poland
Strawberry Arena
S. Vincic
2026
Match Report
Viktor Gyokeres sent Solna into delirium with an 88th-minute winner as Sweden beat Poland 3-2 in a thrilling World Cup playoff final. The late strike sealed the Swedes' return to football's biggest stage for the first time since 2018.
Anthony Elanga opened the scoring on 20 minutes, crashing a first-time strike in off the crossbar. Nicola Zalewski levelled for Poland in the 33rd minute before Gustaf Lagerbielke headed the hosts back in front just before the break.
Karol Swiderski made it 2-2 on 55 minutes, but Gyokeres had the final say — pouncing on a goalmouth scramble to side-foot home the winner with two minutes left.
Graham Potter's side will join the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia in Group F at the 2026 World Cup. For Poland, it's a devastating exit — twice they fought back level, only for Gyokeres to break their hearts at the death.
Match Events
19'
33'
43'
J. Kiwior(Foul)
44'
55'
62'
J. Karlstrom(Tripping)
65'
O. Pietuszewski(Roughing)
69'
69'
76'
L. Bergvall(Foul)
81'
88'
90+1'
90+2'
90+2'
90+4'
K. Piatek(Foul)
19'
33'
43'
J. Kiwior(Foul)
44'
55'
(Tripping)J. Karlstrom
62'
65'
O. Pietuszewski(Roughing)
69'
(Foul)L. Bergvall
76'
81'
88'
90+1'
90+2'
90+2'
90+4'
K. Piatek(Foul)
Statistics
33%Possession67%
9Shots15
5Shots on Target7
2Corners9
15Fouls15
1Offsides4
2Yellow Cards3
253Passes502
5Saves2
Head to Head
10
Sweden wins
1
Draws
3
Poland wins
Goals: 28 - 13