Sweden's World Cup qualification was pure drama. Trailing Poland in the playoff final with three minutes left, Viktor Gyökeres — arguably Europe's most in-form striker — drove through the Polish defence and finished to seal a 3-2 win. The goal sent Sweden to their first World Cup since 2018.
Gyökeres has been one of European football's most extraordinary stories: a journeyman striker who found his form at Sporting CP and produced a 43-goal season. Sweden built their playoff campaign entirely around his ability to lead the press and finish with lethal efficiency.
Key Player: Viktor Gyökeres
The Sporting CP striker is one of the most talked-about players in world football ahead of this tournament. His goals in the playoff — including the 88th-minute winner against Poland — have given him legendary status in Sweden before the tournament has even started. His physical power, pressing, and clinical finishing make him a nightmare for any defence.
Tactical Setup
Tomasson's 4-4-2 is direct and physical. Sweden play a high block, look for early balls into Gyökeres, and rely on Kulusevski's creativity from the right side. They can absorb pressure and hit teams on the break effectively.
Tournament History
Twelve appearances, one third-place finish in 1994. Sweden are a reliable World Cup presence — efficient, hard to break down, and with a striker who could take them further than expectations.