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Gyokeres' 88th-Minute Winner Sends Sweden to the 2026 World Cup

Sweden will open their World Cup against Tunisia on June 15 in Mexico.

Overview

  • Sweden beat Poland 3-2 at Strawberry Arena in Stockholm after Viktor Gyokeres scored in the 88th minute on Wednesday to clinch qualification.
  • Gyokeres finished the play-offs with four goals, adding the late winner to his semi-final hat-trick against Ukraine in Valencia.
  • Manager Graham Potter switched to a back five for the final, prioritizing defensive shape that blunted Robert Lewandowski and steadied a side coming off a winless group phase.
  • Swedish outlets labeled Gyokeres the match hero and fans staged late-night celebrations in the capital, with reports of champagne-soaked dressing rooms and a packed nightclub send-off.
  • Sweden join Group F with the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia, with their opener set for June 15 at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Mexico, as other play-off ties saw Italy and Denmark eliminated on penalties.