WC Playoff Showdown in Solna 

Here we go again: Sweden and Poland face off Tuesday with a spot in the 2026 WC on the line. It’s a familiar storyline—these teams met at the same stage four years ago, and Poland walked away winners then. But this time Sweden has home field advantage in Solna. Will that make a difference?

Match Analysis

Sweden stands one win from joining Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia in Group F. Getting here hasn’t been smooth. They didn’t win a single game in Group B—scored only four goals and let in twelve. Still, they snuck into the playoffs thanks to their NL performance, topping their group in Europe’s third tier.

Things are looking up under Graham Potter, who took over in October. His arrival brought a boost. Sweden just knocked out Ukraine 3–1 in the semi-final—on neutral ground in Spain—thanks to Viktor Gyokeres’ hat-trick. Confidence is back, but revenge is still in the air after Poland beat them 2–0 in the 2022 playoff final with goals from Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zielinski.

Poland grabbed their spot after coming from behind to beat Albania 2–1, both goals arriving in the final thirty minutes. Lewandowski and Zielinski scored again, as usual. Poland’s whole qualifying run was more steady than Sweden’s. They racked up five wins, drew twice with the Netherlands, and only finished three points shy of topping that group.

Their new coach, Jan Urban, has made a difference already. Poland are unbeaten in seven matches with him in charge and look sharper, especially going forward. But they have a problem—they haven’t won in Sweden for 76 years, losing their last three trips to Solna.

Looking at tactics, Sweden now feels more defined under Potter. They usually go 4-4-2, much more organized than before, and Gyokeres is the main target after his hat-trick. Anthony Elanga brings speed, and Jesper Karlstrom shields the defense so Yasin Ayari can drive the ball forward and link play.

Poland takes another approach. Urban tends to set up a 3-2-4-1. Lewandowski is still the focal point, and Zielinski plus Szymanski handle the creative work. Kaminski and Skoras stretch the defense wide. At the back, Kiwior anchors the center, working with Bednarek and Kedziora, while Matty Cash bombs up and down the wing.

Team News

Sweden’s missing a few big names: Isak, Krafth, Kulusevski—all out with injuries. Isak Hien has joined them on the sidelines. Both Hien and Gudmundsson limped off in the semi-final, so their status is uncertain. If Gudmundsson can’t play, Svensson is ready to step in. Gyokeres stays up top, especially after his heroics against Ukraine.

Poland welcomes Nicola Zalewski back after suspension—he might slot right into the starting eleven. Youngster Rozga played well in the semi-final win and continue to impress. Lewandowski is, of course, the main man leading the attack.

Odds and Tips

Sweden has the home advantage and is riding the momentum from their semi-final victory, but their qualifying campaign has been shaky. Poland rolls into Solna looking strong, unbeaten under Urban, and they know what it’s like to win this exact showdown.

Tip: Poland to win (after extra time) at 15.00.

Please note that the odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.

Last updated: 30.03.26