World Cup – European classification
6:45 p.mMarch 31, 2026
end
Strawberry sand
Referee: Slavko Vinčić, Slovenia
sweden
poland
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.00
Expected Goals (xG)
0.00
Passing by
184 (73%)
Accurate passes
423 (86%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Kamil Grabara
6.3
d
Jakub Kiwior
43′ missing
5
d
Jan Bednarek
6.9
3
d
Przemysław Wiśniewski
6.2
M
Nicola Zalewski
33′
55′ M
Piotr Zieliński
33′
20
M
Sebastian Szymanski
7.2
2
M
Matty Cash
6.2
13
F
Jakub Kamiński
7.3
F
Karol Swiderski
55′
9
F
Robert Lewandowski (C)
7.3
World Cup – Europe Classification – Group B
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – World Cup
- Promotion – World Cup (Promotion: )
Sweden cruised to a dramatic 3-2 win over Poland at the Strawberry Arena, with Viktor Gyokeres scoring a late winner to cap a thrilling World Cup qualifier.
Sweden emerged victorious from a strong World Cup qualifier, defeating Poland 3-2 in Solna. Viktor Gyokeres scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute, securing three crucial points for the home team.
The match pitted a struggling Sweden, who finished fourth with just one point, against a confident Poland. Poland were in second place in the group, eager to consolidate their strong qualifying position. The stakes were high for the hosts, desperate to restart their campaign.
Anthony Elanga opened the scoring for Sweden in the 19th minute. He finished off a well-worked move after Yasin Ayari provided the assist. The home crowd erupted as Sweden took an early lead.
Poland responded with determination. Nicola Zalewski tied the score in the 33rd minute. He got the equalizer with a pass from Piotr Zielinski. This goal highlighted Poland’s threat despite conceding first.
Just before the break, Poland’s Jakub Kiwior received a yellow card for a foul. Sweden took advantage of the momentum shift. Gustaf Lagerbielke restored Sweden’s lead in the 44th minute, heading in a cross from Benjamin Nygren.
The first half ended with Sweden holding a narrow 2-1 lead. Poland, despite enjoying 66% possession, found themselves behind. The second half promised more attacking football from both sides.
Poland continued their offensive push after the restart. Karol Swiderski found the equalizer in the 55th minute. He finished from close range. Nicola Zalewski became the provider of Poland’s second goal.
The game became an end-to-end battle. Both teams looked for a winner. Sweden’s Joel Karlstrom received yellow cards in the 62nd minute. Poland’s Oliwier Pietuszewski followed just three minutes later. The substitutions brought new legs to the competition for both sides.
As the clock wound down, Sweden pressed for a decisive moment. Lucas Bergvall received a yellow card for a foul in the 76th minute. This reflected the rising tension. The match looked destined for a draw, but Sweden had other ideas.
Although Poland dominated possession with 66% and recorded 15 shots in total, Sweden proved to be more clinical. Sweden took 10 shots in total. The home team managed 5 shots on goal, converting three. Kristoffer Nordfeldt made 5 crucial saves for Sweden.
Viktor Gyokeres sealed the win for Sweden in the 88th minute. He scored a late goal. This dramatic 3-2 victory provides a vital lifeline to Sweden’s World Cup qualification aspirations. Poland will be frustrated. They controlled much of the match but left empty-handed.
