New Delhi: Sweden are just one match away from booking a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 after Viktor Gyokeres scored a brilliant hat-trick to beat Ukraine 3-0 on Thursday and set up a final playoff game against Poland in Stockholm on Tuesday.
Gyokeres scored the opening goal in the sixth minute of the match from close range. After that, Ukraine missed a couple of good chances to score the equaliser. The game was played in Spain due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Sweden doubled their lead just six minutes into the second half as Nordfeldt delivered a long ball for Gyokeres, and the striker latched onto it, unleashing a quick-fire shot into the net. He completed his hat-trick in the 71st minute through a spot kick after Turbin fouled him in the box.
Ukraine scored a consolation goal through Matviy Ponomarenko in the 90th minute, but the final whistle saw the travelling Swedish fans celebrate wildly.
Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland
Italy are just one win away from qualifying for the World Cup 2026 after missing the last two editions of the tournament. The four-time World champions defeated Northern Ireland 2-0 on Thursday in Bergamo.
Sandro Tonali scored the opening goal in the 56th minute with a half-volley to settle Italy’s nerves. He then delivered a brilliant Crossfield pass to Moise Kean in the 80th minute to double their lead.
Italy will take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoff finals on Tuesday, who advanced by beating Wales 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Cardiff.
Poland 2-1 Albania
Poland made a strong comeback to beat Albania 2-1, reaching the World Cup playoff finals in Warsaw on March 26. Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zielinski netted second-half goals to set up the decider against Sweden on Tuesday.
Arber Hoxha scored the opening goal in just the third minute of the match to put Albania ahead, but their bid to reach their first World Cup ended in Warsaw as Poland delivered a brilliant performance after the half-time.
Lewandowski scored the equaliser in the 63rd minute with a header at the back post from a corner. Piotr Zielinski netted the second goal for Poland in the 73rd minute from outside the area into the corner of the net, keeping his team on course for a third consecutive finals appearance.
Other World Cup playoff matches result:
Turkey 1-0 Romania
Denmark 4-0 North Macedonia
Czech 2-2 Republic of Ireland (Czech advanced 4-3 on penalties)
Wales 1-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina (Bosnia-Herzegovina qualified 4-2 on penalties)
Slovakia 3-4 Kosovo