Nygren’s World Cup High And Celtic’s Title Grind: Can One Fuel The Other? | OneFootball

Benjamin Nygren returned from the international break carrying something that no training session can manufacture, and that is the memory of winning when his country needed him most. The 24-year-old Swedish midfielder, speaking to the press as relayed by BBC Sport, described helping Sweden book a spot at this summer’s World Cup as the best experience so far in my football career, adding that the night felt almost like a movie.

Nygren set up a goal in Sweden’s 3-2 victory over Poland in Tuesday’s play-off final to secure his nation’s place at the tournament. This came after Graham Potter’s side finished bottom of Group B in the qualifiers before fighting through the Nations League third-tier playoff route involving Slovakia, Estonia, and Azerbaijan. The Swede, who joined Celtic on a five-year deal in the summer of 2025 from Nordsjælland, didn’t hesitate to draw a direct parallel between Sweden’s unlikely qualification and Celtic’s current position in the title race.

He acknowledged that Celtic enter the week seven points behind league leaders Hearts with seven games left, following a loss to Dundee United before the break, but he pointed to belief and collective spirit as the tools that pulled Sweden through.

“It was an unbelievable experience,” Nygren said of his country’s unlikely World Cup qualification.

“Something I’ve dreamt about since I was a kid. It was an incredible night. I think the best experience so far in my football career. It was almost like a movie. It’s a little bit the same situation in a way,” the 24-year-old added.

“In Sweden, we were counted out, and we made it. That feeling was absolutely unbelievable. I want to do the same here. Just keep on training hard, keep on believing. I think that’s the most important thing. Believing as an individual but also as a group, as a team.

The whole club, the players, staff, fans, everyone together. Then we can make it. It’s in tough moments that you really can show who you are as a person and as a team. That’s what we need to do. I’ve said it before, but I think we have a great group and a great team. I think we’ve shown many times this season that we never stop believing and we never stop working hard. So I’m believing in this group.”

Does Nygren’s Belief Hold Importance, or Is the Gap Simply Too Wide?

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 29: Benjamin Nygren of Celtic celebrates after scores the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Celtic FC and FC Utrecht at Celtic Park on January 29, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Something is compelling about Nygren’s confidence, but belief alone rarely overturns a seven-point deficit in a league as unforgiving as the Scottish Premiership. Hearts have enjoyed a standout season, taking full advantage of strange campaigns from both Celtic and Rangers to sit top of the table heading into 2026. Celtic, meanwhile, have cycled through managers in a way that would rattle any dressing room, moving from Brendan Rodgers to Wilfried Nancy before sticking to Martin O’Neill. Despite the chaos, Nygren has stayed consistent, racking up 19 goals and seven assists this season.

However, the reality surrounding the 24-year-old is more complex than his scoring record. He often drifts in and out of matches, and Celtic haven’t settled on his best position. While his World Cup heroics have boosted morale, the logic is different. Sweden needed one big night; Celtic need to be perfect for seven weeks. With Premier League interest growing, his rallying call feels bittersweet. Celtic’s most vital player is likely heading for the exit, and no cinematic memory changes that math for the club.