Viktor Gyokeres handed World Cup lifeline after Arsenal striker outscores Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland | OneFootball

Striker’s goals in the Nations League are set to prove crucial

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Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres could yet be Sweden’s World Cup hero thanks to his impressive performances during the Nations League.

Those strikes played a big role in helping Sweden to earn promotion to League B as they topped Group C1 ahead of Slovakia, Estonia and Azerbaijan.

Furthermore, as group winners, Sweden can benefit from a format change in regards to the World Cup qualifiers following the expansion to 48 teams - from 32 - competing in the finals.

The four best-ranked Nations League group winners that finish outside the top two of their World Cup qualifying group will advance to the play-offs that takes place in March 2026.

Sweden fall into this category after a dismal start to World Cup qualifying.

Back-to-back defeats against Switzerland and Kosovo during the October international break leaves Sweden bottom of Group B with two matches left to play.

Unable to qualify for the World Cup as group winners, Sweden can still ensure a play-off berth but are currently six points behind second-placed Kosovo with an inferior goal difference and head-to-head record.

It would be a surprise if Sweden rally to finish above Slovenia and Kosovo, though their World Cup dream may not be over even if a top-two finish is not secured.

Thanks partly to the goals of Gyokeres and their subsequent Nations League performance, Sweden have a lifeline that could yet see them join the party at next summer’s major tournament.