Sweden qualified for the World Cup after a dramatic playoff victory against Poland on Tuesday. Viktor Gyökeres, who led Sweden with a hat-trick against Ukraine, scored the decisive goal in Solna against Poland, according to official sources. This achievement came despite a dismal qualifying performance in the autumn, where Sweden had zero wins and only two points in their World Cup qualifying group, finishing last in a group with Switzerland, Slovakia, and Kosovo.
Sweden qualified for the World Cup thanks to their victory in the Nations League C division in 2024, which gave them a second chance. Sweden's World Cup qualification has been questioned internationally due to their poor qualifying performance and the rules allowing them a second chance via the Nations League. Jon Dahl Tomasson was the Swedish national team coach for the first four matches of the World Cup qualifiers.
Graham Potter is the English national team coach for Sweden and is praised for his role in the team's success. Poland finished second in their qualifying group with 17 points, behind the Netherlands with 20 points. Poland dominated the match against Sweden in the second half but lost due to a single late move from Sweden, according to official sources.
Robert Lewandowski's World Cup dream was brutally crushed by Poland's loss to Sweden, according to official sources. Sweden is one of the least deserving World Cup qualifiers this century, according to some international media and journalists. Sweden had a home advantage in the decisive playoff match against Poland due to a free draw.
Sweden can still be a force or threat in the World Cup despite their poor qualifying performance, according to international media and journalists. The playoff victory marks a remarkable turnaround for Sweden, who struggled throughout the qualifying phase but capitalized on their Nations League success to secure a World Cup berth.