Gyokeres' late golden goal launches Sweden straight to World Cup
Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 31.03.26. | 23:56
Arsenal striker finds the back of the net in the dying minutes of a five-goal thriller against Poland (3-2)
How do you say "X factor" in Swedish? Victor Gyokeres!
The Arsenal forward has almost singlehandedly launched his side straight to the upcoming FIFA World Cup. After a brilliant hat-trick a few days ago against Ukraine (3-1), Gyokeres scored the decisive goal in a five-goal thriller against Poland on Tuesday night in Stockholm (3-2).
Four goals in just two games, but crucial ones, made him a hero of Graham Potter's side, which will face the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia in Group F.
When it looked like the game was heading for extra time, the Gunners' forward broke through the crowd, reached the ball, and fired it into the empty net from close range. That goal sent Sweden to North America, where they were the surprise of the 1994 World Cup, finishing third under Thomas Brolin's leadership.
For Swedes, it marks a return to the global stage after missing out in 2022 and ends an eight-year wait for World Cup football.
It was a night of swings and nerves... Anthony Elanga and Gustaf Lagerbielke twice put Sweden ahead, only for Nicola Zalewski and Karol Swiderski to respond for Poland.
But just as extra time loomed, Gyokeres delivered the decisive blow - bundling home from close range to spark wild celebrations.
Sweden had taken the lead in style midway through the first half, as Yasin Ayari's clever backheel released Newcastle's Elanga, who fired in off the crossbar. Poland, however, were the sharper side early on and soon levelled through Zalewski after sustained pressure.
Sweden have qualified for the World Cup after beating Poland 3-2.
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 31, 2026
They're bringing some serious attacking talent with them this summer 🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/U6uhkhbhGE
Against the run of play, Sweden restored their advantage just before the break. Lagerbielke rose to meet Benjamin Nygren's delivery, making it 2-1.
The visitors hit back again in the second half, with Swiderski reacting quickest after Zalewski's effort broke kindly in the box. Robert Lewandowski, on his 165th cap, endured a frustrating evening as chances came and went.
With both sides pushing for a winner, it was Sweden who found it late on - Gyokeres turning home from close range after a chaotic sequence in the box. Stockholm had its party, and Sweden had its ticket back to football's biggest stage.
SWEDEN ARE GOING TO THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP! 🇸🇪🎉
— Ak (@akonfem01) March 31, 2026
What an unforgettable night for Viktor Gyökeres and the entire Swedish team! Pure joy, pure relief, and pure celebration after a dramatic qualifier victory.
This moment will be remembered for years! 🔥#SwedenNT #WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/uZvMbfxTx1
2026 FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION (UEFA)
Final
Tuesday
B&H - Italy IN PROGRESS (1-1)
/Kean 15 - Tabakovic 79/
Czech Republic - Denmark IN PROGRESS (1-1)
/Sulc 3 - Andersen 72/
Kosovo* - Turkey 0-1 (0-0)
/Akturkoglu 53/
Sweden - Poland 3-2 (2-1)
/Elanga 19, Lagerbielke 44, Gyokeres 88 - Zalewski 33, Swiderski 55/