Sweden is one step away from securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup following a decisive 3-1 victory over Ukraine in their play-off semi-final. The match, played in Valencia, Spain, saw Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres score his first goals in 2026 qualifying, netting a hat-trick with goals in the 6th, 51st, and 73rd minutes – the last from a penalty.
A Final Hurdle Remains
Graham Potter’s Sweden will now face Poland in the play-off final on Tuesday, March 31st. Poland advanced after overcoming Albania 2-1, with 37-year-old veteran Robert Lewandowski contributing to the score.
Elsewhere in World Cup qualifying action, Kosovo is likewise on the verge of a historic debut in the tournament. Ranked 77th in the world by FIFA, Kosovo stunned Slovakia with a 4-3 victory after twice coming from behind and will face Turkey in Pristina on Tuesday. Turkey secured their place in the next round with a 1-0 win against Romania, thanks to a goal from Brighton’s Ferdi Kadioglu.
Other Qualifying Results
Denmark also achieved a significant win, defeating North Macedonia 4-0 in Copenhagen. Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard opened the scoring, with Arsenal’s Christian Norgaard adding the fourth goal. Other matches saw Northern Ireland’s World Cup hopes dashed with a 2-0 defeat to Italy, even as Wales were forced to extra time after a 1-1 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Republic of Ireland also went to extra time against the Czech Republic after leading 2-0 in Prague before the hosts equalized.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match between Sweden and Ukraine?
The final score was Sweden 3 – 1 Ukraine.
Who scored for Sweden in their match against Ukraine?
Viktor Gyokeres scored all three goals for Sweden, completing a hat-trick.
When will Sweden play Poland?
Sweden will play Poland on Tuesday, March 31st.
With several teams still vying for a place in the tournament, what impact will these play-off results have on the overall competitive landscape of the 2026 World Cup?
Worth a look