Viktor Gyokeres secures Sweden’s World Cup spot with late winner
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres scored an 88th-minute winner against Poland to secure Sweden’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, sparking wild celebrations in Stockholm.
The £64m forward had promised to mark the historic achievement in style, leading his international team-mates to one of the Swedish capital’s most exclusive nightclubs.
The squad’s jubilant scenes began in the dressing room, where Braga defender Gustaf Lagerbielke sprayed champagne over Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
After returning to their team hotel to greet family members, the players travelled to the vibrant Stureplan district to continue their revelry at the V nightclub.
Lindelof leads the festivities
Aston Villa defender Victor Lindelof arrived at the venue carrying a Swedish flag, having previously described his post-match refreshments as a “few quick calories”.
The national team captain had earlier outlined his intentions to guide the younger squad members through the evening’s celebrations.
“There will probably be a lot of good drinking, a little dancing and then we’ll see where it leads us,” Lindelof said.
“I’m definitely not the first to leave, I’m usually the last.”
Social media posts from the former Manchester United centre-back’s wife suggested the squad continued their celebrations well past 04:00 local time.
A night of zero sleep
Midfielder Besfort Zeneli admitted that the squad had no intentions of getting any rest after securing their ticket to the 2026 tournament in North America.
“I don’t think the club will be too happy about this interview but there will be no sleep tonight,” Zeneli told Sportbladet.
He also detailed the chaotic dressing room scenes, noting that almost everyone was caught in the crossfire of the champagne celebrations.
Meanwhile, Gustav Lundgren conducted his post-match media duties with a celebratory drink in hand, eagerly anticipating the long night ahead.
Sweden’s dramatic late victory ensures they will compete on the global stage once again, ending a tense qualification campaign on a historic high.
