Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres could yet be Sweden’s World Cup hero thanks to his impressive performances during the Nations League.
Gyokeres netted nine goals in the most recent Nations League campaign to claim the top scorer award ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo (8) and Erling Haaland (7).
Those strikes played a big role in helping Sweden to earn promotion to League B as they topped Group C1 ahead of Slovakia, Estonia and Azerbaijan.
Furthermore, as group winners, Sweden can benefit from a format change in regards to the World Cup qualifiers following the expansion to 48 teams - from 32 - competing in the finals.
The four best-ranked Nations League group winners that finish outside the top two of their World Cup qualifying group will advance to the play-offs that takes place in March 2026.
Sweden fall into this category after a dismal start to World Cup qualifying.
Back-to-back defeats against Switzerland and Kosovo during the October international break leaves Sweden bottom of Group B with two matches left to play.
Unable to qualify for the World Cup as group winners, Sweden can still ensure a play-off berth but are currently six points behind second-placed Kosovo with an inferior goal difference and head-to-head record.
It would be a surprise if Sweden rally to finish above Slovenia and Kosovo, though their World Cup dream may not be over even if a top-two finish is not secured.
Thanks partly to the goals of Gyokeres and their subsequent Nations League performance, Sweden have a lifeline that could yet see them join the party at next summer’s major tournament.
