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Sweden secure World Cup ticket

A late Viktor Gyokeres goal saw Sweden get past a dogged Poland side to make their first tournament since Russia 2018.

After eight long years, Sweden will return to the FIFA World Cup™ following a topsy-turvy, revenge-laced 3-2 victory over Poland in the Path B European play-off final.

The Scandinavians failed to win any of their six qualifiers for the tournament and finished bottom of Group B, but qualified for the play-offs thanks to their UEFA Nations League ranking.

From there, Graham Potter's side eased past Ukraine in the semi-finals, before an 88th-minute goal from Viktor Gyokeres finally saw off Poland in dramatic circumstances. The victory was made even sweeter by the fact that Poland had defeated Sweden at this stage ahead of Qatar 2022.

Gustaf Lagerbielke celebrates scoring for Sweden against Poland at Friends Arena in Solna in their UEFA qualifying play-off final for the FIFA World Cup 2026

SOLNA, SWEDEN - MARCH 31: Gustaf Lagerbielke of Sweden celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Sweden and Poland at Strawberry Arena on March 31, 2026 in Solna, Sweden. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

The current Sweden side is packed with quality. Aside from Gyokeres, Anthony Elanga, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Victor Lindelof and Benjamin Nygren make up a strong spine of the team, while youngsters Yasin Ayari, Roony Bardghji and Lucas Bergvall offer plenty of excitement. Star forwards Alexander Isak and Dejan Kulusevski missed the play-offs through injury, but are hopeful of returning before the global finals.

Graham Potter was hired as Sweden coach last October, and while he failed to win either of his first two matches, his contract was extended until 2030 in March. He is the second Englishman to take charge of the Blågult after George Raynor, who took the nation to the 1958 final versus Brazil.

Graham Potter is pictured during a press conference at the SvFF's office after he was appointed new head coach of Sweden's national football team on October 20, 2025 in Solna, Sweden. The Swedish Football Association said on October 20, 2025 that ex-Chelsea manager Graham Potter had been appointed national team coach after Jon Dahl Tomasson was sacked last week following three straight losses in World Cup qualifying. (Photo by Pontus LUNDAHL / TT NEWS AGENCY / AFP via Getty Images) / Sweden OUT

The Swedes will contest Group F at the tournament, opening their campaign versus Tunisia in Guadalupe, before tackling the Netherlands and Japan.

Sweden at the FIFA World Cup

First appearance: 1934
Qualifications: 13 (1934, 1938, 1950, 1958, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1990, 1994, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2026)
Best result: Runners-up (1958)