Sweden 3–0 Poland — Gyökeres Seals World Cup Berth; Lewandowski's Dream Ends

Sweden defeated Poland 3–0 at Strawberry Arena (Friends Arena) in Solna to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, entering Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia. Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres — who scored a hat-trick against Ukraine in the semi-final — was the decisive force throughout Sweden's playoff campaign, establishing himself as one of Europe's most feared forwards. Poland captain Robert Lewandowski (age 37), competing in what was almost certainly his last opportunity to play at a World Cup, was kept scoreless throughout the playoff round. Ukraine coach Serhii Rebrov had said of Gyökeres: 'He played great and made the difference tonight. He showed his quality, why he plays for Arsenal.' Swedish media dubbed him 'Ibrahimovic-superior' across the campaign.