Sweden Qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup with Dramatic 3-2 Win Over Poland
Match Result
Sweden 3–2 Poland
(UEFA World Cup Qualifiers – Path B Final)
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
In a highly dramatic and entertaining playoff final, Sweden overcame Poland 3-2 to book their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match was full of attacking football and momentum swings, with both teams showing great quality in front of a passionate home crowd at the Strawberry Arena.
Goal Scorers
Sweden: Anthony Elanga (20'), Gustaf Lagerbielke (44'), Viktor Gyökeres (88')
Sweden started strongly and took the lead in the 20th minute through Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga. Poland responded well and equalized in the 33rd minute with a goal from Nicola Zalewski. Just before halftime, Sweden regained the lead when defender Gustaf Lagerbielke scored in the 44th minute. However, Poland once again showed resilience and leveled the score in the 55th minute through Karol Świderski.With the game looking headed for extra time, superstar striker Viktor Gyökeres delivered a moment of magic in the 88th minute, scoring the winning goal that sparked wild celebrations across Sweden.
Qualification Outcome
With this victory, Sweden successfully qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
They will compete in Group F, alongside strong teams:
Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia
When is Sweden vs Poland – Playoff Final?
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Kick-off Time: 2:45 p.m. ET (20:45 local time in Sweden)
Where is Sweden vs Poland – Playoff Final?
Venue: Strawberry Arena (Friends Arena / Nationalarenan), Solna, Sweden
Sweden has home advantage as the host for the final.
How to Watch Sweden vs Poland – Playoff Final?
US viewers: Available on ViX (free streaming), Fubo, and select Fox Sports / FS2 channels (check local listings).
International: In Sweden on SVT or TV4; in Poland on TVP or Polsat Sport; many European countries via free-to-air or pay-TV.
Live streaming also available on UEFA.tv or official broadcaster apps in your region.
Sweden vs Poland – Playoff Final Expected Lineups
Exact lineups will be announced about 1 hour before kick-off. Here are the most likely starting XIs based on recent playoff performances:
Sweden Expected Lineups:
GK: Robin Olsen
DEF: Emil Holm, Victor Lindelöf, Isak Hien, Ludwig Augustinsson
MID: Mattias Svanberg, Albin Ekdal / Jens Cajuste, Emil Forsberg
FWD: Viktor Gyökeres, Alexander Isak, Dejan Kulusevski (if fit)
Poland Expected Lineups:
GK: Wojciech Szczęsny / Łukasz Skorupski
DEF: Bartosz Bereszyński, Jan Bednarek, Jakub Kiwior, Tymoteusz Puchacz
MID: Sebastian Szymański, Piotr Zieliński, Jakub Moder
FWD: Robert Lewandowski, Karol Świderski, Nicola Zalewski
Key Notes:
Sweden advanced with a strong 3-1 win over Ukraine (Viktor Gyökeres scored a hat-trick).
Poland beat Albania 2-1 in their semi-final (goals from Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zieliński).
The winner qualifies for Group F at the 2026 World Cup alongside Japan, Netherlands, and Tunisia.
What Next Sweden vs Poland Playoff Final?
This is a winner-takes-all match — the victor secures a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
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