Gyokeres' brutal hat-trick and bizarre FIFA shortcut push Sweden to the verge of World Cup
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 27.03.26. | 11:50
The Swedes finished bottom in their qualification group with 0 wins, but thanks to the UEFA Nations League C triumph (beating Azerbaijan, Estonia and Slovakia), they were given a playoff card
Sweden are just one match away from securing a World Cup spot after beating Ukraine 3-1 on Thursday night, with Victor Gyokeres scoring all three goals.
The Arsenal striker finally made an impact for the national team, setting up a decisive match against Robert Lewandowski's Poland in Stockholm on Tuesday.
Viktor Gyokores hatrick for Sweden tonight
— Dami of Ibadan (@DamiDhray) March 26, 2026
Finding his form at the right time and at the big stage 🥰
The mask 🥷 man pic.twitter.com/9vaMHe0FB2
Sweden's success is surprising because they nearly qualified for the World Cup despite a poor qualifying run. They finished last in their group with Switzerland, Kosovo*, and Slovenia, failing to win any games and letting in 12 goals over six matches.
However, they got another chance through UEFA Nations League C, where they finished first in the 2024/25 season ahead of Azerbaijan, Estonia, and Slovakia. As a result, Graham Potter's team could reach the World Cup with just two wins and four losses in eight games.
In the match against Ukraine, played on neutral ground in Valencia, the Arsenal forward was unstoppable and made up for his earlier struggles that had drawn a lot of criticism.
Ukraine's goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin had no chance against Gyokeres' two strong shots that put Sweden ahead. Later, the Arsenal striker sealed the win with a penalty after being fouled in the box. Ukraine scored a late consolation goal, but it did not affect the outcome, and the Swedish team celebrated with the World Cup in sight.
2026 FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION (UEFA)
Thursday
Path A
Italy - Northern Ireland 2-0 (0-0)
/Tonali 55, Kean 80/
Wales - B&H 2-4 on penalties (1-1)
/James 51 - Dzeko 86/
Path B
Poland - Albania 2-1 (0-1)
/Lewandowski 63, Zielinski 73, Hoxha 42/
Ukraine - Sweden 1-3 (0-1)
/Ponomarenko 90 - Gyokeres 6, 51, 73(p)/
Path C
Turkey - Romania 1-0 (0-0)
/Kadioglu 53/
Slovakia - Kosovo* 3-4 (2-1)
/Valjent 6, Haraslin 45, Strelec 90+4 - Hodza 21, Asllani 47, Muslija 60, Hajrizi 72/
Path D
Czech Republic - Republic of Ireland 4-3 on penalties (2-2)
/Schick 27, Krejci 86 - Parrott 19(p), Kovai 23(og)
Denmark - North Macedonia 4-0 (0-0)
/Damsgaard 49, Isaksen 58, 59, Norgaard 75/
Playoff final
Tuesday
20.45: (2.20) Sweden (3.35) Poland (3.35)
***odds are subject to change***