Overview
Although unable to win a direct ticket to the finals, Sweden is currently only one win away from the 2026 World Cup. If they pass the final play-off, they will be in Group F with the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.
Viktor Gyokeres' sublime form is a great support when this striker scored a hat-trick in the 3-1 victory over Ukraine in the play-off semi-finals. That result helped Sweden get closer to the ticket to the finals.
Coach Graham Potter, who took over the team in October last year in a difficult context, praised his student. He emphasized Gyokeres' important role in the North European team's revival journey.
Previously, Sweden experienced a disappointing qualifying round when they did not win any matches, only scored 4 goals and conceded 12 times. However, they still qualified for the play-offs through the UEFA Nations League.
Now, not only is it a ticket to North America, Sweden is also aiming for a revenge after the sad memory at the 2022 World Cup play-offs, where they lost 0-2 to Poland by goals from Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zielinski.
On the other side, Poland is also showing impressive form. In the play-off semi-finals, they came back to beat Albania 2-1 thanks to two goals in the last 30 minutes of the match.
Overall, Poland may regret not winning a direct ticket, despite winning 5 matches and drawing with the Netherlands in both qualifying rounds. Under the leadership of Jan Urban, this team is still unbeaten after 7 matches and shows clear solidarity after a period of instability under Michal Probierz.
However, history does not favor Poland. The last time they won at the Swedish stadium was 76 years ago. In the last three away games to Solna, Poland has suffered defeats.
Personnel situation
Sweden continues to face a force problem when a series of key players are absent due to injuries. Alexander Isak, Emil Krafth and Dejan Kulusevski have not yet returned, while tall center-back Isak Hien has also recently been sidelined.
In the loss to Ukraine, both Hien and left back Gabriel Gudmundsson left the field due to injury. In case Gudmundsson does not recover in time, Daniel Svensson of Borussia Dortmund is ready to replace him.
In attack, Isak's absence means that the responsibility for scoring goals almost certainly belongs to Gyokeres. Although he once was silent in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, this striker quickly regained his form with an important hat-trick in the semi-finals.
On the Polish side, captain Robert Lewandowski is still the biggest hope. Not only is he the greatest scorer in the history of the national team, he also holds the record for the number of appearances and is always a constant threat to every defense.
In midfield, Piotr Zielinski continues to play an important role. This midfielder once scored in the victory over Sweden in the 2022 play-offs and is still a influential factor in Poland's playing style.
Under coach Jan Urban, Poland is also gradually rejuvenating the squad. Two young talents Filip Rozga and Oskar Pietuszewski both left their mark in the comeback victory against Albania. Among them, Pietuszewski - only 17 years old - received many compliments in Porto's colors.
However, Rozga's position is not necessarily guaranteed as Nicola Zalewski is ready to return after suspension, bringing more quality options for the wing.
Expected lineup:
Sweden: Nordfeldt, Lagerbielke, Starfelt, Lindelof, Johansson, Karlstrom, Ayari, Svensson, Elanga, Nygren, Gyokeres.
Poland: Grabara, Kedziora, Bednarek, Kiwior, Cash, Slisz, Zielinski, Skoras, Szymanski, Zalewski, Lewandowski.
The match between Sweden and Poland takes place at 1:45 AM on April 1st (Vietnam time).
