Four years ago, on almost the same date, Poland hosted Sweden at the Superauto.pl Stadion Slaski for a final qualifying match for the previous World Cup and defeated them. Now the two nations are facing off again for the same prize, but this time in Sweden.
Sweden found their form at just the right moment following an extremely disappointing qualifying campaign leading up to the playoffs, securing their first victory under Graham Potter.
Over the course of 90 minutes, they gave Ukraine no chances, taking the lead as early as the 6th minute and holding onto their advantage until the end.
Poland had a smooth group stage, having to play in the playoffs solely because of the impressive form of the Netherlands, who finished first. They suffered only one loss, away to Finland, but since then have gone on a seven-game unbeaten streak (W5, D2).
How the bookies view it: Heavy home advantage for the Blagult
Poland’s form may be more convincing, but not enough to persuade the bookmakers to give them the edge. In fact, the odds are significantly in favor of the host country.
Currently, you can back Sweden at 1/1, while Poland are available at a hefty 29/10. The draw remains an option at 12/5.
Recent head-to-head: Poland struggled for decades
We’ve already mentioned the last match between Sweden and Poland—four years ago at the end of March, when they faced off again in the playoff final.
Poland won 2-0 back then, but that was their first victory over Sweden since 1974. The Blagult had eight consecutive wins between 1989 and 2021, so Poland certainly have some bad memories.
Players to watch: Gyokeres to lead Sweden to the World Cup
Viktor Gyokeres is far from the form we’ve come to expect from him at the club level in recent years, but he remains the spearhead of Sweden’s attack and the first choice in every match.
It’s important to note that until last week, he hadn’t scored a goal in these qualifiers in four appearances, but he scored a hat trick against Ukraine.
Probable line-ups
Sweden: Nordfeldt, Lindelof, Starfelt, Lagerbielke, Johansson, Karlstrom, Svensson, Ayari, Elanga, Nygren, Gyokeres
Poland: Grabara, Kiwior, Bednarek, Kedziora, Cash, Zielinski, Slisz, Skoras, Szymanski, Zalewski, Lewandowski
Anything else catch the eye?
Four years ago, we didn’t see a single goal from Sweden, but this time it seems almost impossible that we won’t see goals from both teams.
Poland are in good form and haven’t failed to score a goal in a match since September 2024. Sweden have a lot to prove after a poor 2025, and we believe they’ll do so at Strawberry Arena by shattering Poland’s dreams.
However, it is possible it won’t happen in regulation, as Poland have proven extremely tough to beat. Therefore, we recommend BTTS as the main bet, while a draw should be considered a risky bonus option, just like Sweden to qualify.
Think both sides will find the net? Our BTTS Masterclass explains how to spot the fixtures where goals are a given.
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