Arsenal: Alexander Isak issues Viktor Gyokeres verdict after World Cup heroics

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·01 de abril de 2026

Arsenal: Alexander Isak issues Viktor Gyokeres verdict after World Cup heroics

The Arsenal striker netted four goals in two play-off ties to fire Sweden to the World Cup

Alexander Isak has reacted to Sweden securing a 2026 World Cup spot.

Vídeos OneFootball

The Liverpool striker is back in training following surgery late last year, but his nation’s World Cup play-off campaign came too early for him to play any part.

Instead, it was Arsenal star Viktor Gyokeres who ultimately stepped up for Sweden in their hour of need.

Prior to the play-offs, Gyokeres netted nine goals in the most recent Nations League campaign to claim the top scorer award ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo (eight) and Erling Haaland (seven).

Those goals were crucial in earning Sweden promotion to League B as they topped Group C1 ahead of Slovakia, Estonia and Azerbaijan.

Furthermore, as one of the four best-ranked Nations League group winners that finished outside the top two of their World Cup qualifying group, they advanced to the play-offs to keep their dream alive.

In the World Cup play-off semi-final, Gyokeres netted a hat-trick in the 3-1 win over Ukraine and was hailed as “one of the best strikers in Europe” by Serhiy Rebrov afterwards.

Then in the play-off final against Poland on Tuesday night, the Gunners striker sparked jubilant scenes inside the Strawberry Arena by netting an 88th minute winner.

Sweden can now look forward to this summer’s tournament in North America as they will compete Group F alongside Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.

Isak, who is on course to be available for selection within the next week, took to social media after the game to heap praise on Gyokeres and his compatriots.

On his Instagram story, Isak posted a image of Gyokeres celebrating with a caption that reads: “JAAAAAA! J**** LEGENDER ALLIHOPA!”

A rough translation of the aforementioned message is ‘Yes, legends everybody’.

Sweden face Norway next in a pre-tournament friendly in June, though Gyokeres and Isak will miss the game if Arsenal and Liverpool are involved in the Champions League final on May 30.

Reflecting on a memorable night for his national team, Gyokeres said: "To do it on home soil is indescribable. We believed in it until the end and that's why we're in the World Cup.

“Regardless of whether you get a lot of balls or not, you try to be connected and present.

“That was me, especially at the end when we had some half-dangerous chances."