Sweden vs Poland Predictions, Picks & Odds

Sweden vs Poland Game Details

Competition: World Cup Qualifying – Europe – Playoff Finals
Date: Tuesday, 31 March 2026
Kick-off Time: 7:45 PM (UK time)
Venue: Friends Arena
Live Stream (UK): Amazon Prime Video

Sweden vs Poland Preview

For the second time in four years, Sweden and Poland will meet in a winner-takes-all World Cup playoff final. The two nations last faced off at this stage on the road to Qatar 2022, when Poland claimed a 2-0 win on home soil. This time, however, Sweden will have the advantage of playing in Solna.

Sweden kept their World Cup dream alive with a 3-1 win over Ukraine in Thursday’s semi-final, played on neutral ground in Spain. Viktor Gyokeres was the star of the show with a hat-trick, continuing his fine form at the perfect time. His display has given Graham Potter’s side real belief that they can still book a place in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.

Poland, meanwhile, arrive with momentum of their own after a 2-1 comeback win over Albania in the semi-finals. Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zielinski were again on target, the same duo who broke Swedish hearts in the 2022 playoff final. Under Jan Urban, Poland look far more settled, with the new coach unbeaten in his first seven matches.

Both Teams to Score looks like a strong play here because both sides carry real threat in the final third. Sweden have Viktor Gyokeres in top form and will be expected to attack with home support behind them. Meanwhile, Poland still have the experience and cutting edge of players like Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zielinski. Both teams have also seen BTTS land in two of their last three matches. In a high-pressure playoff final, there should be moments for both attacks to make an impact.

Over 2.5 goals also stands out as a value option given the attacking quality on show. Sweden’s recent 3-1 win over Ukraine showed they are capable of creating and finishing chances. Poland, meanwhile, came from behind to beat Albania and have the experience to punish mistakes in big games. With so much at stake, this may not stay cagey for long, especially if one team scores early and forces the other to open up.

Poland to win the tie is a value play based on their form, experience and overall stability. They head into this game unbeaten in seven matches under Jan Urban. Sweden have done well to get this far, but their qualifying campaign exposed a number of weaknesses, particularly in front of goal and at the back. Poland also know how to handle this stage, having beaten Sweden in the 2022 World Cup playoff final, and they look well placed to spoil the occasion again.