70 days to the World Cup: Sweden sneaks into 2026 tournament without a qualifying win

The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is on! Each day ahead of the tournament’s return to North America, Yahoo Sports will highlight an insight or moment that showcases just how grand the world’s biggest sporting spectacle has become — even beyond the expanded field of this year’s global event.

Good fortune has been on Sweden's side during their road to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

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It was unique journey and one that usually would benefit a host nation.

The Blågult went winless in the group stage during qualifying, losing four and drawing two to finish at the bottom of Group B. Yet, Sweden had earned in the UEFA play-offs in Path B with Ukraine, Poland and Albania, two wins away from going to the World Cup.

But, how?

In order to find the answer you need to go back to November 2024 when Sweden defeated Slovakia 2-1 on an Alexander Isak 48th-minute goal. That win secured the Swedes first-place in Group 1 of Nations League C and promotion to League B for the next campaign.

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Due to the Nations League format, the top four overall group winners that finished outside of the top two places in their respective World Cup qualifying groups were able to advance to the World Cup playoffs. Sweden was part of that group, which put them into the Path B semifinal against Ukraine.

Viktor Gyökeres netted a hat-trick during the 3-1 win over Ukraine, and five days later scored the tie-breaking goal in the 88th minute against Poland to secure Sweden’s spot in this summer's tournament.

The wins were the first two under new manager Graham Potter, who was initially hired on a short-term basis in October.

Sweden will now join Group F with the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.