A dramatic night of World Cup qualification playoffs delivered late winners, penalty shootout heartbreak and historic milestones, as Sweden, the Czech Republic and Bosnia and Herzegovina booked their places at this year’s tournament — while Italy’s agonising absence extended to a third consecutive finals.

Sweden sealed their return to the global stage in spectacular fashion, with Viktor Gyokeres firing an 88th-minute winner in a thrilling 3–2 victory over Poland. The result secured Sweden’s first World Cup appearance since 2018 and prolonged Poland’s extraordinary winless run on Swedish soil, which stretches back to 1930.

Anthony Elanga gave Sweden an early lead before Nicola Zalewski equalised, but Gustaf Lagerbielke restored the hosts’ advantage just before halftime. Karol Swiderski drew Poland level again after the break, only for Gyokeres to capitalise on a late scramble and send the Strawberry Arena into delirium.

“To do it on home soil is indescribable,” Gyokeres said. “We believed in it until the end and that’s why we’re in the World Cup.”

WORLD CUP 2026 groups

Group A
Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Czechia

Group B
Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland

Group C
Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Group D
USA, Paraguay, Australia, Turkiye

Group E
Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador

Group F
Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia

Group G
Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

Group H
Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group I
France, Senegal, Bolivia/Iraq, Norway

Group J
Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Group K
Portugal, Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia

Group L
England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

The victory also served as redemption for Sweden after their playoff defeat to Poland in 2022. They will now compete in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia. Their route was unconventional — finishing bottom of their qualifying group — but a Nations League triumph provided a crucial second chance they seized.

Elsewhere, the Czech Republic ended a 20-year wait for a World Cup appearance after defeating Denmark 3–1 on penalties following a gripping 2–2 draw after extra time.

Pavel Sulc stunned the visitors with an early opener before Joachim Andersen equalised late in normal time. Goals from captain Ladislav Krejci and Denmark’s Kasper Hogh in extra time forced penalties, where Denmark faltered.

Rasmus Hojlund struck the bar, Anders Dreyer saw his effort saved, and Mathias Jensen missed, allowing Michal Sadilek to convert the decisive spot kick.

“The story is so beautiful — we’ve made it after 20 years,” Sadilek said.

Despite Denmark dominating large spells, their captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg admitted it ultimately counted for nothing. “We were the better team, but it doesn’t matter because we are not going to the World Cup,” he said.

The Czech side, revitalised under veteran coach Miroslav Koubek, will play in Group A alongside Mexico, South Africa and South Korea.

The most painful storyline of the night, however, belonged to Italy. The four-time world champions suffered yet another crushing playoff exit, losing 4–1 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina after a 1–1 draw in Zenica.

Italy had taken the lead through Moise Kean’s superb long-range strike in the 15th minute, but their hopes were dented when Alessandro Bastoni was sent off before halftime. Bosnia capitalised late on, with substitute Haris Tabakovic equalising to force extra time and ultimately penalties.

In the shootout, Italy faltered badly — Pio Esposito missed and Bryan Cristante struck the crossbar — while Bosnia converted all their attempts with ruthless composure.

Esmir Bajraktarevic sealed victory, sparking wild celebrations at Bilino Polje Stadium, as flares lit up the night and Bosnian players rushed to celebrate a historic qualification.

“These boys have character,” said Bosnia manager Sergej Barbarez. “They go onto the pitch with brutal calmness.”

For Italy, the defeat marked a staggering decline. Once perennial qualifiers — missing only the 1958 tournament before this barren spell — they have now failed to reach three consecutive World Cups.

“Italian children will see another World Cup without Italy,” said a tearful Leonardo Spinazzola. “We could have scored three or four goals… it’s a great disappointment for everyone.”

Bosnia, whose only previous World Cup appearance came in 2014, will now feature in Group B alongside Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.

Across Europe, the playoff finals delivered everything — late drama, shifting momentum and the unforgiving cruelty of penalties. For Sweden, the Czech Republic and Bosnia, the dream lives on. For Italy and others, the reckoning continues.