Gyokeres nets three as Sweden edges out Ukraine to advance in World Cup qualifiers

Viktor Gyokeres, Sweden's forward and Arsenal striker, donned the number 17 jersey as he celebrated with his teammates through a megaphone at the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe zone semifinal football match against Ukraine at Ciutat de Valencia Stadium in Valencia on March 26, 2026.

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Gyokeres' outstanding performance saw him score a hat-trick, leading Sweden to a decisive 3-1 victory over Ukraine, thereby setting the stage for a showdown with Poland to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

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In the sixth minute, Gyokeres scored his first goal, stabbing the ball in from close range, and then doubled Sweden's lead with a skillfully taken goal early in the second half in Valencia.

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He completed his treble by winning and converting a penalty on 73 minutes, ultimately sealing the victory for Graham Potter's team, although Matvii Ponomarenko managed to score a late consolation goal for Ukraine.

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This win marked a significant milestone for Sweden, being their first victory in an otherwise disappointing qualifying campaign, and it has brought them to the threshold of only their second World Cup appearance in 20 years.

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Sweden had previously earned just two points in six matches in their qualifying group, which included Switzerland, Kosovo, and Slovenia, but their Nations League performances granted them another opportunity to qualify.

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The Swedes will now return to Stockholm to face Poland, who defeated Albania 2-1, in a decisive match next Tuesday, which will determine which country will participate in the expanded 48-team finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

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Ukraine, who have been forced to play their home games on neutral ground since the Russian invasion four years ago, had been hoping to boost the morale of their war-torn country by competing in their first World Cup since their debut in 2006.

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However, they suffered a crushing disappointment, experiencing another play-off defeat, having previously missed out to Wales in the last edition.