The crucial UEFA 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier between Sweden vs Poland is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 20:45 CET (3:45 PM ET). The match will be played at Strawberry Arena, Solna.
Sweden and Poland meet in a winner-takes-all UEFA World Cup play-off final at Strawberry Arena in Solna, with a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the line.
Sweden reached the final after Viktor Gyökeres scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Ukraine, while Poland came from behind to beat Albania 2-1 thanks to goals from Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zieliński.
This is a pivotal FIFA World Cup Group stage fixture. Both teams are battling for a top-two finish to secure direct qualification or a play-off spot for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
With one last World Cup spot up for grabs, the winner will land in Group F with the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia.
Sweden vs Poland – Match Details, Date, Time, Predictions, Lineups & More
- Match: Sweden vs Poland.
- Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026 UEFA play-off final.
- Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
- Time: 20:45 CET / 2:45 PM ET.
- Stadium: Strawberry Arena, Solna.
- Broadcast: UEFA directs fans to local European Qualifiers partners; in the U.S., Fox Sports lists ViX+ for the match, and Fox Sports also shows it at 6:45 PM on its Sweden schedule page.
Team News and Analysis
The match is set up as a clash between Sweden’s red-hot Viktor Gyökeres, with 18 goal contributions in his last 12 games, and Poland’s iconic captain Robert Lewandowski.
Sweden
Sweden come into this final on a high after that 3-1 win over Ukraine, with Gyökeres in outstanding form and Graham Potter starting to stamp his style on the team.
UEFA’s preview also notes some fitness doubts around Isak Hien and Gabriel Gudmundsson after the semi-final, which is the only real cloud over the home side.
Tactically, Sweden look dangerous when they can attack quickly and feed Gyökeres early. They will also lean on home advantage in Solna, where UEFA notes they have not lost to Poland in a home match since 1930. That is a strong psychological edge in a game this big.
Poland
Poland arrive with confidence too, having overturned a first-half deficit to beat Albania and reach the final. UEFA notes that Jan Urban has started strongly as Poland coach, while Nicola Zalewski returns after suspension, giving Poland an extra option on the left side.
Poland’s shape looks compact and experienced, with Lewandowski still the focal point and Zieliński providing the control and final ball behind him. If they can keep the game level into the second half, their experience in tight knockout matches gives them a real chance.
Head-to-Head Statistics
Sweden and Poland have a competitive recent history. Poland beat Sweden 2-0 in the 2022 World Cup play-off final, Sweden won 3-2 at EURO 2020, and the teams also met in World Cup qualifying in 2003 and 2004. UEFA also says Poland have lost their last three matches in Solna.
| Date | Competition Type | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 29 Mar. 2022 | FIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFA | Poland 2-0 Sweden |
| 23 Jun. 2021 | UEFA European Championship | Sweden 3-2 Poland |
| 5 Jun. 2004 | International Friendly | Sweden 3-1 Poland |
| 10 Sep. 2003 | UEFA European Championship Qualifying | Poland 0-2 Sweden |
Sweden vs Poland Starting XI
- Sweden lineup XI vs Poland (4-4-2): Nordfeldt; Lagerbielke, Starfelt, Lindelöf, Gudmundsson; Johansson, Ayari, Karlström, Nygren; Elanga, Gyökeres. This is UEFA’s possible lineup, not a confirmed team sheet.
- Poland lineup XI vs Sweden (3-4-2-1): Grabara; Kędziora, Bednarek, Kiwior; Cash, Zieliński, Szymański, Zalewski; Kamiński, Pietuszewski; Lewandowski. This is also UEFA’s possible lineup.
Key Players to Watch
Sweden: Viktor Gyökeres, Alexander Isak, Anthony Elanga, Emil Forsberg, Mattias Svanberg. Gyökeres is the headline man after his semi-final hat-trick, while Elanga adds pace and direct running.
Poland: Robert Lewandowski, Piotr Zieliński, Nicola Zalewski, Sebastian Szymański, Matty Cash. Lewandowski and Zieliński were decisive against Albania, and Zalewski’s return gives Poland more balance.
Match Prediction
This should be tight, intense, and probably decided by one big moment. Sweden have home advantage and the hotter striker in Gyökeres, but Poland have knockout pedigree and a proven match-winner in Lewandowski.
The slight edge goes to Sweden at home, but only just.
- Prediction: Sweden 2-1 Poland. That is an inference based on recent form, home advantage, and the official team news.
Where to Watch Sweden vs Poland
For U.S. viewers, Fox Sports lists ViX+ for the match, while UEFA says local broadcast partners will carry the game in each market.
| Region | TV Channel / Streaming Platform |
|---|---|
| United States | Fubo, ViX, and Fox Sports (specific matches vary by channel) |
| United Kingdom | Amazon Prime Video (via pay-per-view) |
| India | Sony Sports Network (Sony Sports Ten channels) and SonyLIV |
| International | FIFA+ (available in select territories) |
When is Sweden vs Poland?
Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
What time does Sweden vs Poland kick off?
20:45 CET, which is 2:45 PM ET.
Where is the match being played?
Strawberry Arena in Solna.
Where can I watch it in the U.S.?
Fox Sports lists ViX+ for the match.
Who is the favorite team?
Sweden are a slight favorite at home, but Poland’s experience makes this close. That is an inference based on the official preview and recent results.
