Sweden Qualify for the World Cup; Italy Fall on Penalties in a Dramatic Night

Sweden 3–2 Poland: drama, response and qualification

Strawberry Arena | Solna, Sweden | World Cup Playoffs | 31 March 2026

The game began at a high technical level. Sweden opened the scoring with a moment of real quality: Yasin Ayari produced a clever backheel assist for Anthony Elanga, who struck first-time with power, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

Poland responded quickly. Świderski nearly equalised with a strong effort, denied by a crucial save from the Swedish goalkeeper. The equaliser came in the 32nd minute through Zalewski, capitalising on a brief lapse from Sweden — who nearly conceded again moments later.

However, before halftime, Sweden regained control through a well-worked set piece. Nygren delivered a wide free-kick, finding centre-back Lagerbielke, who used his 1.93m frame to head home and restore the lead.

In the second half, Sweden returned with greater intensity, pressing high and dictating the tempo. Still, Poland found a way back in the 55th minute: a cross from Matty Cash, a deflection inside the box, and Świderski was there at the back post to finish after another assist from Zalewski.

The game seemed destined for a tense finish — until the decisive moment arrived in the 87th minute. Viktor Gyökeres, after a relentless sequence inside the box that included a shot off the post, finally found the net to secure qualification.

Full-time whistle and Swedish celebration: Sweden are back at the World Cup after missing out in 2022.

Their last appearance came in 2018, when they reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by England in Russia.

Nicola Zalewski — Man of the Match | 1 goal & 1 assist | Sofascore Rating: 8.1

Italy 1–1 Bosnia (3–4 on penalties): red card, resistance and historic breakthrough

Bilino Polje | Zenica, Bosnia & Herzegovina | World Cup Playoffs | 31 March 2026

If Sweden celebrated, Zenica witnessed tension — and ultimately, a historic night for Bosnia and Herzegovina, who secured their place at the 2026 World Cup by eliminating Italy on penalties.

Italy started the match in control and took the lead after a costly mistake in Bosnia’s build-up. Goalkeeper Vasilj lost possession, allowing Nicolò Barella to intercept and quickly set up Moise Kean, who finished first-time into the top corner.

But the goal did not change Bosnia’s approach.

Even trailing, the home side remained organised and gradually grew into the game, creating danger mainly through set pieces and forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma into several key saves.

The turning point came in the 41st minute. Bastoni was sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity, completely shifting the dynamic of the match and opening the door for sustained Bosnian pressure.

From that moment on, the game was played almost entirely in Italy’s half.

In the second half, Bosnia took full control — emotionally and territorially. Chances began to pile up, with Donnarumma keeping Italy in the game through a series of outstanding saves.

The breakthrough finally came in the 78th minute. After an initial save from the Italian goalkeeper, Tabakovic reacted quickest to the rebound and scored, sending the stadium into a frenzy.

In extra time, despite growing fatigue, Bosnia remained the more proactive side, pushing forward and searching for a winner until the final moments.

The match went to penalties — and there, composure made the difference.

Following misses from Pio Esposito and Cristante, Bosnia remained clinical. The decisive kick came from 21-year-old Bajraktarevic, who sealed a historic qualification.

In Zenica, it was more than just a win.

It was a night that will live forever in Bosnian football history.

Gianluigi Donnarumma — Man of the Match | 10 saves (5 inside the box) | Sofascore Rating: 8.8

A night of contrasts

While Sweden celebrate their return to football’s biggest stage, Italy suffer another painful chapter, missing out on a third consecutive World Cup.

It is the first time this has happened to a nation that has won at least one World Cup title.

Europe confirmed its final four qualified teams for the 2026 tournament on Tuesday: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, Czech Republic, and Turkey.

The 2026 World Cup will bring new stories — and for some giants, difficult absences to explain.