Tears in Stockholm: Lewandowski says goodbye to the 2026 World Cup

The Barça striker sees how Sweden beats Poland 3-2 in the play-offs and blocks his third World Cup event

Robert Lewandowski's dream of playing in his third World Cup faded this Tuesday at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm. The FC Barcelona striker and leading figure of the Polish national team saw how Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres' goal consummated Sweden's 3-2 victory in the crucial play-off match.

From the opening whistle, the match was filled with tension and drama rather than technical brilliance. Sweden struck first with a goal from Anthony Elanga in the 20th minute, after a backheel assist from Yasin Ayari, which left goalkeeper Kamil Grabara with no options.

Poland was quick to react. Nicola Zalewski, with a curling shot from the edge of the area, equalized the score in the 33rd minute. However, just before the break, Gustaf Lagerbielke put the hosts ahead again with a header after a precisely executed corner, leaving Poland with the obligation to come back in the second half.

The second half started with intensity. Poland managed to tie in the 56th minute thanks to Karol Swiderski, who took advantage of a measured pass from Zalewski after an action in which Lewandowski, astutely, stayed on the sidelines so as not to invalidate the play due to offside.

The meeting became a duel of nerves and opportunities. Sweden, which had lost pace after the tie, found the necessary clarity in the 88th minute. Viktor Gyökeres finished off a loose ball in the small area after a deflected shot by Lucas Bergvall and a shot on the post by Arber Zeneli, sealing the final 3-2 and ensuring Sweden's qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Equipment	Result
Sweden	3
Poland	2

Lewandowski's reaction was a reflection of the drama. Sitting on his haunches, with his gaze lost, he accepted that after Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, there will be no American World Cup for him. The forward, who has accumulated 89 goals in 164 games for Poland, probably closed his most anticipated international chapter.

In Sweden, the celebration was absolute. Roony Bardghji, who had requested more minutes at Barça, watched from the stands as his team advanced, while Sweden is placed in Group F of the 2026 World Cup along with Japan, Tunisia and the Netherlands.

Formations and match data

Sweden	Poland
Nordfeldt; Svensson, Lagerbielke, Starfelt, Lindelöf, Gudmundsson; Elanga (Zeneli 69′), Ayari (Svanberg 91′), Karlström (Bergvall 69′), Nygren (Lundgren 91′); Gyökeres Coach: Graham Potter	Record; Bednarek, Winiewski, Kiwior; Cash (Grosicki 90′), Zieliski, Szymaski, Zalewski (Piatek 92′), Kamiski; Swiderski (Pietuszewski 63′); Lewandowski Coach: Jan Urban
Goals: 1-0 Elanga (20'), 2-1 Lagerbielke (44'), 3-2 Gyökeres (88')	Goals: 1-1 Zalewski (33'), 2-2 Swiderski (56')
Viewers: 49,500 \| Referee: Slavko Vincic (Slovenia)	Booked: Kiwior (42'), Karlström (63'), Pietuszewski (65'), Bergvall (75'), Piatek (93')

Frequently asked questions

Why won't Lewandowski play in the 2026 World Cup?: Because Poland lost 3-2 to Sweden in the play-offs, with a decisive goal from Viktor Gyökeres.
Who scored the goals in the Sweden-Poland match?: Sweden: Elanga, Lagerbielke and Gyökeres. Poland: Zalewski and Swiderski.
Which goalkeepers played in the match?: Kristoffer Nordfeldt for Sweden and Kamil Grabara for Poland.
Where was the match played?: At the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm, before 49,500 spectators.
What is Lewandowski's career with his team?: He has scored 89 goals in 164 games, participating in the 2018 Russia and Qatar 2022 World Cups.
Who was Sweden's hero in the match?: Viktor Gyökeres, with his decisive goal in the 88th minute.
Which group was Sweden in the 2026 World Cup?: Group F, along with Japan, Tunisia and the Netherlands.
What role did Roony Bardghji have in the match?: He was left out of the call and only watched from the stands.
Were there yellow cards?: Yes, to Kiwior, Karlström, Pietuszewski, Bergvall and Piatek.
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