As for Sweden, joy and jubilation are the name of the game in the “Elongated Country.” After a nail-biting showdown in Solna, the Blue and Yellows are through to the World Cup. Fans already know which group Sweden will be joining at the 2026 World Cup, and the national team can go ahead and book its flight to Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

For Poland, words can’t even begin to describe the utter heartbreak in the “Land of Fields.” The Eagles were oh so close, yet so far from making it to another World Cup. Despite a grueling journey through UEFA’s World Cup Qualifiers, Poland have come away empty-handed.

Poland miss World Cup for first time in over a decade

The Eagles had appeared in the last two World Cups (2018 and 2022), but failed to make it three in a row after Viktor Gyokeres’ late goal proved the difference in Path B’s final of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers playoffs. As a result, Poland are out of the World Cup for the first time since the 2014 tournament, held in Brazil.

Poland’s curse in the Americas continues

As the World Cup returns to the Americas, the Poles will be absent again. World Cups held in the “New World” have been elusive for the Polish national team. Poland have only participated in two of the nine tournaments held on the American continent.

The Poles qualified for Argentina 1978 and Mexico 1986 but missed Uruguay 1930, Brazil 1950, Chile 1962, Mexico 1970, USA 1994, Brazil 2014, and the 2026 tournament in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

Thanks to their triumph over Poland, Sweden will be grouped with the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia in the World Cup. Group F is set to be one of the most competitive and evenly matched in the tournament. Fans in the “Elongated Country” can hardly wait for the 2026 World Cup to begin.

The Swedes will make their debut against Tunisia—on paper, their easiest opponent in the group stage—on June 14. Almost a week later, the Blue and Yellows will go head to head with fellow UEFA rival the Netherlands on June 20. Closing out the World Cup group stage, Sweden will take on Japan on June 25.

Sweden are back in World Cup

After missing the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Sweden are back in the biggest soccer tournament. It wasn’t without a fair share of drama, though. In a back-and-forth showdown, it was Viktor Gyokeres who found the back of the net minutes away from full time to send his country to the World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup will be Sweden’s second appearance in the last five world championships. Sweden had last made it to the 2018 edition, held in Russia. That time, Sweden was knocked out in the quarterfinals after falling at the hands of England by a score of 2-0.

Gyokeres: Sweden’s national hero

All eyes were on Viktor Gyokeres as Sweden hosted Poland in the Path B final of the European playoffs. Far from being fazed by the spotlight, the striker rose to the occasion when his country needed him most. After staying quiet all night at Friends Arena, Gyokeres pounced on a loose ball inside the box and made no mistake. It had to be him.

Gyokeres followed his hat trick against Ukraine in the semifinal with the golden goal in the final to send Sweden through. For the first time since 2018, the “Elongated Country” is World Cup-bound.

The game started with an early goal by Anthony Elanga that made Solna burst into joy. A few minutes later, Nicola Zalewski appeared to momentarily tie the game for Poland, but Sweden took the advantage again before halftime with a goal by Gustaf Lagerbielke.

In the second half, Karol Swiderski took advantage of a mistake by Sweden’s defense to score the equalizer. Nevertheless, with just three minutes left in regulation time, Victor Gyokeres scored the final goal to send Sweden to the World Cup.

Following their narrow semifinal victory over Albania, the “White-Reds” enter this winner-takes-all clash knowing there is no safety net left in their qualifying campaign.

Robert Lewandowski leads a Polish side looking to overcome a difficult historical record on Swedish soil. This decisive matchup marks the end of the road for the European Qualifiers, where 90 minutes will decide the future of both programs.

What happens if Poland beat Sweden today?

Poland will officially qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup if they beat Sweden today, securing their ticket to the tournament in North America and eliminating their rivals in this winner-takes-all UEFA play-off final.

By winning this play-off path, they would join a Group F that already features the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia. This would set up a challenging schedule for the White and Reds, starting with a crucial opening match against Tunisia, followed by a heavyweight showdown with the Dutch.

Entering the group as the “UEFA Path B winner”, Poland would look to improve on their previous World Cup campaigns and navigate a group where every point will be vital to reaching the knockout stages.

What happens if Poland and Sweden tie today?

If Poland and Sweden are level after 90 minutes, the match will go into extra time and potentially penalties to decide who qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In this format, there are no second chances.

A draw in regulation time does not change the stakes but raises the pressure significantly. Both teams would have to rely on extra time strategy, substitutions and ultimately mental strength if the match reaches a penalty shootout.

Given how evenly matched both sides are expected to be, a draw scenario often becomes a psychological battle as much as a tactical one, with fatigue and precision playing a decisive role late in the game.

What happens if Poland lose to Sweden today?

Poland will be eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification race if they lose to Sweden today, ending their European play-off campaign immediately. In this knockout final format, defeat means there is no second opportunity.

As reported around the fixture buildup, the match represents a winner-takes-all scenario at the Strawberry Arena, meaning the losing side will see their 2026 World Cup hopes officially come to an end on the final whistle.

A return to the world’s biggest stage hangs in the balance as Poland and Sweden will look its place in the next World Cup. Poland enter as the favorites, backed by a talented roster and strong recent form, including a gritty 2-1 semifinal victory over Albania that showcased their resilience under pressure.

Sweden, however, arrives with plenty of momentum of its own after a commanding 3-1 win against Ukraine, proving they have the firepower and discipline to challenge anyone. With both teams carrying history, confidence, and everything to lose, this showdown promises high stakes and high drama.

When will the Sweden vs Poland match be played?

Sweden play against Poland on Tuesday, March 31, in the Path B final of the World Cup qualifiers, with kickoff slated for 2:45 PM (ET). Follow our liveblog of Sweden vs Poland!

Sweden vs Poland: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:45 PM
CT: 1:45 PM
MT: 12:45 PM
PT: 11:45 AM

How to watch Sweden vs Poland in the USA

Catch the thrilling UEFA World Cup qualifiers showdown between Sweden and Poland in the USA. Stream the action on ViX.

In the UEFA playoffs, Sweden faced Ukraine in a high-stakes semifinal. The Blue and Yellow managed to secure the win thanks to a hat-trick by Viktor Gyokeres, allowing them to advance to the final round.

In the other semifinal, Poland stunned Albania. Now, Sweden and Poland will meet in the Path B final to determine which nation will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

When will Sweden play the final of Path B?

Sweden will return home to Solna to try to secure their qualification in front of their own fans. Regardless of the semifinal outcomes, the final was pre-determined to be played at the home of the Ukraine vs. Sweden winner.

The game between Sweden and Poland will take place on Tuesday, March 31, at the Strawberry Arena in Solna. This duel will determine which nation advances to the World Cup from Path B of the UEFA playoffs.

World Cup Group F destiny

As the 2026 World Cup groups have already been drawn, both nations know exactly what awaits them if they qualify. The winner of the Sweden vs. Poland match will enter Group F.

The qualifying nation will join a challenging group that includes the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia. Many fans regard this as one of the toughest groups in the upcoming World Cup.

[Watch Ukraine vs Sweden online in the US on Fubo]

It’s a win-or-go-home clash between Ukraine and Sweden, with both sides entering in very different form. Ukraine impressed in qualifying—finishing second behind France and eliminating Iceland—and comes in as the favorite.

Sweden, on the other side, rebounded from a poor campaign by staying alive through the Nations League. With Ukraine riding momentum and Sweden leaning on experience, this high-stakes matchup is one you won’t want to miss.

When will the Ukraine vs Sweden match be played?

Ukraine take on Sweden on Thursday, March 26, in the Path B semifinal of the World Cup qualifiers, with kickoff slated for 3:45 PM (ET).

Ukraine vs Sweden: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:45 PM
CT: 2:45 PM
MT: 1:45 PM
PT: 12:45 PM

How to watch Ukraine vs Sweden in the USA

Catch the thrilling UEFA World Cup qualifiers showdown between Ukraine and Sweden in the USA. Stream the action on Fubo. Other options: Tubi, Amazon Prime Video and ViX.

Graham Potter‘s men earned their place in the play‑offs partly thanks to their performance in the UEFA Nations League, which gave them a route into the second round despite a difficult group stage.

Ukraine, on the other hand, secured a play‑off spot by finishing second in Group D behind France, meaning they must now navigate this knockout match to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

What happens if Sweden beat Ukraine today?

If Sweden beat Ukraine today, Sweden will advance to the UEFA play‑off final on March 31, 2026, putting them one step away from qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Sweden reached this play‑off stage thanks to their performance in the UEFA Nations League ranking, which gave them one of the four extra slots in the 16‑team playoff bracket despite not finishing in the top two of their qualifying group.

By winning today’s match, they would carry momentum and the psychological advantage into the final against the winner of Poland vs Albania, with the victorious side on March 31 earning one of Europe’s remaining four World Cup spots.

What happens if Sweden and Ukraine tie?

If Sweden and Ukraine tie at the end of regular time, the match will not end in a draw — UEFA play‑off rules require a winner to be decided on the day. The game would then proceed to extra time, with 30 additional minutes played.

If still level after extra time, the tie would be settled by a penalty shootout. This format is standard for the UEFA second‑round play‑offs: all fixtures are single‑leg knockout matches where ties after 90 minutes must be resolved before a team can advance to the play‑off final.

What happens if Sweden lose to Ukraine today?

If Sweden lose to Ukraine today, Sweden’s run in the UEFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers will end. They would be eliminated from contention for the World Cup via the play‑off route.

Ukraine would advance to the Path B final, where they would play the winner of Poland vs Albania. Victory in that final would earn Ukraine a spot in the 48‑team 2026 World Cup tournament.

Every shift, rebound and late whistle carries consequences that stretch beyond a single afternoon, shaping tournament narratives and the emotional ledger each roster will carry home when the closing ceremony lights begin to fade.

Victory, defeat or stalemate would each leave a distinct imprint on rankings, legacy and momentum, turning this final meeting into more than consolation: a quiet hinge where endings and future ambitions briefly share the same stage.

What happens if Sweden beats Switzerland?

For Sweden, a win in the bronze medal game would mark a long-awaited return to Olympic hardware. After strong group-stage performances and a bitter semifinal defeat, this victory would salvage the tournament and reward the team’s perseverance, offensive skill and defensive discipline.

The triumph would also validate key players stepping up under pressure, from clutch goal scorers to reliable goaltending, turning individual efforts into a collective success. It would be more than a consolation, a statement that Sweden remains a serious contender in women’s hockey.

What happens if Sweden and Switzerland tie?

In Olympic medal games, ties don’t stand. If the regulation ends level, teams go to sudden-death overtime, and potentially a shootout, to decide the winner. Playoff and medal games follow IIHF rules, meaning an extra period with fewer skaters and the first goal wins.

Playoff and medal games follow rules set by the International Ice Hockey Federation, featuring a 10-minute three-on-three overtime where the first goal wins, before moving to a shootout if no one scores.

So a “tie” in regulation would only be a pause before the dramatics of extra time. Sweden’s potent offence and Switzerland’s stingy defence could set up a tense OT where every shift and every save matters.

What happens if Sweden loses to Switzerland today?

For Sweden, falling short in the bronze medal game would be a bitter end to a tournament that showed promise. Strong group-stage performances and flashes of offensive brilliance would be overshadowed by a failure to deliver when it mattered most.

The loss would highlight the razor-thin margins of Olympic hockey, where one misstep or lapse in concentration can decide the difference between podium glory and disappointment.

Switzerland, on the other hand, sit comfortably at the top of Group B and could take a significant step toward direct qualification with a positive result. Their form and goal difference give them leverage, but Sweden’s desperation could make this more competitive than expected.

The tension is heightened by Sweden’s managerial changes and mounting questions over their qualification route. A playoff spot may be their only realistic path now, and this match could determine whether they control their own destiny or are forced to rely on other results.

What if Sweden win today vs Switzerland?

A victory would offer Sweden a lifeline in Group B, lifting them to 4 points and keeping their playoff hopes mathematically alive. It would also mark a signature result against the group leaders, showing they can still compete despite a difficult start.

What if Sweden and Switzerland tie?

A draw would help Sweden stop the bleeding, improving their total to 2 points, but it would not dramatically change their outlook. They would still sit near the bottom of the group and remain heavily dependent on other results to stay in contention for a playoff spot.

What if Sweden lose vs Switzerland?

A loss would be a major setback—and potentially decisive. Remaining at 1 point, Sweden would likely fall further behind both the playoff contenders and mid-table rivals. With Switzerland strengthening their lead and the rest of Group B tightening, Sweden’s hopes of even reaching the playoffs would become extremely remote.

Hedman’s career resume is already impressive, boasting two Stanley Cup titles, a Norris Trophy as the league’s top defenseman, and the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. Yet, despite all these accolades, the opportunity to play for his country on the Olympic stage carries a unique significance for him.

“Getting to play in the Olympics is a dream come true,” Hedman said during an informational meeting organized by the Swedish Ice Hockey Association and the Swedish Olympic Committee, according to NHL.com. “There are many here today who never got the chance to play in an Olympics; it is really not something you take for granted. For me it’s probably the last chance since I am getting older.”

What makes the Olympic experience so special for Hedman?

Hedman described the Olympics as more than just a tournament. “I think an Olympic tournament is an experience; living with other athletes, being able to gather with others after the games … it’s very special and should be really fun.” He was one of approximately 30 players attending the event in Stockholm to receive important details about what to expect in Milano Cortina 2026.

Who else will join Hedman on Team Sweden?

On June 16, Hedman was named to Sweden’s preliminary Olympic roster alongside five other NHL stars: defenseman Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres, forward William Nylander from the Toronto Maple Leafs, forwards Lucas Raymond of the Detroit Red Wings, Adrian Kempe of the Los Angeles Kings, and Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche.

The inclusion of such top-tier talent underscores Sweden’s intent to compete fiercely on the world stage. For Hedman, the upcoming Olympics represent a thrilling new challenge and a chance to proudly wear the national colors on a global platform.