Viktor Gyokeres scored a brilliant hat-trick as Sweden defeated Ukraine 3-1 in Valencia to move one step closer to World Cup qualification.
Sweden moved to within one win of qualifying for this summer’s FIFA World Cup after defeating Ukraine 3-1 in Valencia, Spain, with Viktor Gyokeres delivering a superb hat-trick in what marked Graham Potter’s first victory as head coach.
The result ended a frustrating winless run for the Swedes and placed them firmly on course for a decisive play-off final.
Despite failing to record a competitive win since November 2024, Sweden started brightly and stunned Ukraine by opening the scoring inside six minutes. Benjamin Nygren delivered a clever pass across the face of goal, and Gyokeres was perfectly positioned inside the six-yard box to convert. The striker made no mistake, slotting home his 16th international goal and giving Blågult an ideal start.
Sweden nearly doubled their advantage shortly after the midway point of the first half. Gabriel Gudmundsson produced a powerful run through the centre before unleashing a strike that clipped the post, leaving Ukraine relieved to remain just one goal behind.
Ukraine dominated possession throughout the first half, enjoying 73% of the ball, but struggled to turn control into meaningful chances. Sweden’s disciplined defensive structure frustrated Serhiy Rebrov’s side, who failed to register a single shot on target before the interval despite their territorial advantage.
The second half began at a frantic pace with both teams creating early opportunities. Within five minutes of the restart, Anatoliy Trubin produced a sharp reflex save to deny substitute Carl Starfelt, while Gudmundsson followed up moments later with a quick effort that flashed narrowly wide as Sweden searched for a second goal.
Ukraine responded immediately, registering their first attempt on target when Oleksandr Zubkov forced Kristoffer Nordfeldt into action. However, as the game opened up, Sweden struck again in decisive fashion. Nordfeldt’s long clearance found Gyokeres deep in Ukraine’s half, and the forward calmly guided a composed finish into the bottom corner to extend the lead.
The match was effectively settled in the 73rd minute when Gyokeres ran past the last defender and was brought down by Trubin inside the penalty area. The striker stepped up to take the spot-kick himself and, despite the goalkeeper diving the right way, converted confidently to complete his hat-trick and put Sweden firmly in control.
🇸🇪 Viktor Gyokeres vs Ukraine
Hat trick to take his country one step closer to the World Cup!pic.twitter.com/0BjRCnjatd
— AFC_Adi (@AFC_Adi06) March 27, 2026
Ukraine managed a late consolation in the 90th minute as Matviy Ponomarenko headed home on his senior international debut. Nevertheless, Sweden’s victory ended their six-game winless streak and booked a play-off final against Poland on Tuesday 31st, while Ukraine will face Albania in a friendly as their wait for a first World Cup appearance since 2006 continues.
