Ukraine Vs Sweden, FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Gyokeres’ Hat-Trick Fires Sweden Towards Play-offs Final

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Sweden secured their path to a playoff final against Poland following a clinical performance led by Viktor Gyokeres. The striker was unstoppable in Valencia, opening the scoring in the 6th minute before doubling the lead early in the second half. Gyokeres completed a sensational hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute, effectively ending Ukraine's hopes of a direct comeback. Matvii Ponomarenko provided a late headed consolation for Ukraine in the 90th minute, but Graham Potter’s Swedish side remained dominant throughout, marking a massive step forward in their quest for World Cup qualification. Watch some of the best pictures below.

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Ukraine Vs Sweden FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers match-Viktor Gyokeres
Sweden's Viktor Gyokeres applauds to supporters at the end of the World Cup playoff semifinal soccer match between Ukraine and Sweden in Valencia, Spain. | Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz
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Ukraine Vs Sweden FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers match-Sweden fans
Sweden fans celebrate at the end of the World Cup playoff semifinal soccer match between Ukraine and Sweden in Valencia, Spain. | Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz
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Ukraine Vs Sweden FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers match-Sweden players
Sweden players greet fans at the end of the World Cup playoff semifinal soccer match between Ukraine and Sweden in Valencia, Spain. | Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz
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Ukraine Vs Sweden FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers match-Viktor Gyokeres
Sweden's Viktor Gyokeres, top, and Ukraine's goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin challenge for the ball during a World Cup playoff semifinal soccer match between Ukraine and Sweden in Valencia, Spain. | Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz
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Ukraine Vs Sweden FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers match-Viktor Gyokeres
Sweden's Viktor Gyokeres celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's third goal during a World Cup playoff semifinal soccer match between Ukraine and Sweden in Valencia, Spain. | Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz
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Ukraine Vs Sweden FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers match-Viktor Gyokeres
Sweden's Viktor Gyokeres celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during a World Cup playoff semifinal soccer match between Ukraine and Sweden in Valencia, Spain. | Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz
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Ukraine Vs Sweden FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers match-Gabriel Gudmundsson
Sweden's Gabriel Gudmundsson, right, and Ukraine's Oleksandr Tymchyk challenge for the ball during a World Cup playoff semifinal soccer match between Ukraine and Sweden in Valencia, Spain. | Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz
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Ukraine Vs Sweden FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers match-Jesper Karlstrom
Sweden's Jesper Karlstrom, top, and Ukraine's Yehor Yarmoliuk challenge for the ball during a World Cup playoff semifinal soccer match between Ukraine and Sweden in Valencia, Spain. | Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz
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Ukraine Vs Sweden FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers match-Graham Potter
Sweden's head coach Graham Potter gives instructions to his players during a World Cup playoff semifinal soccer match between Ukraine and Sweden in Valencia, Spain. | Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz
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Ukraine Vs Sweden FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers match-Viktor Gyokeres
Sweden's Viktor Gyokeres celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal during a World Cup playoff semifinal soccer match between Ukraine and Sweden in Valencia, Spain. | Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz
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Ukraine Vs Sweden FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers match-Ukrainian players
Ukrainian players sing the national anthem ahead of the World Cup playoff semifinal soccer match between Ukraine and Sweden in Valencia, Spain. | Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz

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