Sweden’s hopes of directly qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended with a 1-1 draw against Slovenia on Tuesday, forcing them into a playoff scenario in March[[1]]. The match also marked a surprising debut for GAIS winger Gustav Lundgren, who scored a late equalizer and quickly became a talking point for both his performance and his initial confusion over being in the starting lineup[[1]]. Head coach Graham Potter praised Lundgren’s contribution after the game, a positive sign as Sweden now awaits the playoff draw to determine their opponent-potentially Italy, Denmark, Turkey, or Ukraine[[1]].
Sweden finished their World Cup qualifying group stage with a 1-1 draw against Slovenia in a match that ultimately held no bearing on their tournament fate. The result leaves Sweden heading to a playoff in March for a final chance to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Swedish squad saw a surprising debut from Gustav Lundgren, who admitted he initially thought there had been a mistake with the lineup. “I kind of thought they had put the wrong name up at first,” Lundgren said. “We have another ‘GL’ with Gustaf Lagerbielke, but I figured he can’t play right wing. He was also a little worried they had put him in the wrong position.”
Lundgren made his mark in the 87th minute, finding the back of the net against Slovenia’s goalkeeper, Igor Vekić, to equalize the score.
“I’m not a regular goalscorer, so I didn’t really have a celebration planned,” Lundgren explained. “But I quickly realized we needed to go and get another one.”
Despite Lundgren’s late equalizer, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The playoff in March represents Sweden’s last opportunity to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and the debutant is eager to be involved.
“I’ll do everything I can, and if they want me to be there, I’ll be incredibly happy and proud,” Lundgren stated. “But if not, I’ll support from the sidelines or from the TV, whatever it takes.”
Lundgren currently plays for GAIS, where he recorded two goals and nine assists in the Allsvenskan last season. GAIS will compete in European play next season after finishing third in the Allsvenskan table. When asked if he believes he needs to leave GAIS to remain in contention for a national team spot, Lundgren was firm.
“No, I won’t be doing that,” he said. “I really enjoy it here. I’ve said it many times, but there’s still a lot to achieve with GAIS, and I want to be a part of that.”
Sweden will face either Italy, Denmark, Turkey, or Ukraine in the first match of the playoff. The draw to determine their opponent will take place on Thursday, with the playoff matches scheduled for late March 2026.
“It feels like they’re all tough matches, but I don’t think they want to be drawn against Sweden either. They know we’re a tough team to play against,” Lundgren added.
Sweden’s head coach, Graham Potter, praised Lundgren’s performance after the match against Slovenia.
“Very happy for him – to score on his debut after the fantastic season he’s had. He grew into the game and showed what he can contribute,” Potter said.
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