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Viktor Gyokeres struck late to send Sweden to the 2026 World Cup with a dramatic play-off victory over Poland at Strawberry Arena.<\/strong><\/p>\n The Arsenal striker lashed home from six yards out, banishing the memories of a dismal qualifying campaign and sparking wild celebrations in Stockholm.<\/p>\n Sweden sparked into life during the final ten minutes of a tense, back-and-forth encounter.<\/p>\n Substitute Gustav Lundgren wriggled into the box to create the decisive opening. Lucas Bergvall\u2019s initial shot was saved, and Besfort Zeneli hit the post before Gyokeres applied the clinical finish.<\/p>\n The win marks Sweden\u2019s return to the World Cup stage after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.<\/p>\n It also served to exorcise painful memories. Four years ago, a 2-0 play-off defeat to this same Poland side ended Swedish World Cup dreams.<\/p>\n By reversing that result, Graham Potter\u2019s side has effectively closed one of the darkest chapters in modern Swedish football history.<\/p>\n The journey has been remarkable, given a winless group stage under former manager Jon Dahl Tomasson.<\/p>\n The 50-year-old Englishman switched to a back five to ensure defensive solidity, a tactical shift that successfully nullified the threat of Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski throughout a disciplined Poland performance.<\/p>\n An ecstatic Potter made no attempt to hide his delight at the final whistle. \u201cWe\u2019re going to the World Cup, baby,\u201d he told reporters after the game.<\/p>\n The Englishman, a beloved figure in Sweden following his legendary spell at Ostersunds, also joked about dusting off his cowboy hat for the upcoming matches in Texas.<\/p>\n Gyokeres proved indispensable throughout the play-offs, scoring four goals across two matches. His hat-trick in the semi-final set the stage for this historic night.<\/p>\n Against Poland, he showed exactly why Arsenal invested so heavily in him \u2014 composed, clinical and decisive when it mattered most.<\/p>\n The hosts were far from perfect on the night. But they showed resilience and unity when the pressure was greatest, which is precisely what Potter has demanded since taking charge.<\/p>\n Sweden begin their World Cup campaign against Tunisia at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Mexico, on 15 June. They later face the Netherlands and Japan in North America.<\/p>\n Read more-\u00a0England player ratings: Foden struggles as Japan snaps Pickford\u2019s historic streak<\/strong><\/p>\n See Also-\u00a0De Zerbi swayed by Spurs \u2018ambition\u2019 as new manager appointed<\/strong><\/p>\n Facebook<\/a> | Instagram<\/a> | Twitter<\/a> | YouTube<\/a> | TikTok<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\nViktor Gyokeres fires Graham Potter\u2019s Sweden to the World Cup<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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