Sweden vs Poland: A Thrilling World Cup Play-Off Final

By Ananya Rao / 01.04.2026

Key moments

In a thrilling encounter at Strawberry Arena in Stockholm on March 31, 2026, Sweden triumphed over Poland with a score of 3-2 in the World Cup play-off final. This victory secured Sweden’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant achievement for the team and its fans.

The match began with an early breakthrough for Sweden as Anthony Elanga found the net in the 20th minute, giving the home side a promising start. However, Poland responded quickly, with Nicola Zalewski equalizing in the 33rd minute, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams.

Just before halftime, Sweden regained the lead through Gustaf Lagerbielke, who scored in the 44th minute. The match continued to be closely contested, and Poland once again leveled the score in the 55th minute thanks to Karol Swiderski, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

As the match progressed, both teams created opportunities, but it was Sweden who ultimately found the breakthrough. In a tense moment, Viktor Gyökeres scored the winning goal in the 88th minute, sealing the victory for Sweden and sending the home crowd into jubilation.

Sweden’s expected goals (xG) for the match stood at 1.71, while Poland’s was 0.97, indicating that Sweden was slightly more efficient in converting their chances. Despite having nine shots on target compared to Poland’s 15, Sweden’s ability to score at crucial moments proved decisive.

This match was particularly significant for Sweden, as they had previously lost to Poland in the play-offs for the 2022 World Cup. The victory not only avenged that defeat but also marked Sweden’s return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2018.

Head coach Graham Potter expressed pride in his team’s performance, stating, “This feels like Sweden have some momentum and will edge a tight one to reach the World Cup.” The team will now prepare for the tournament, where they will compete in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia.

As the dust settles on this exhilarating match, the reactions from players and fans alike reflect the importance of this victory. Sweden’s journey to the World Cup has been fraught with challenges, but their determination and skill have finally paid off.