Sweden Beats Ukraine 3-1 on Gyokeres Hat-Trick

Viktor Gyokeres delivered a hat-trick for Sweden in a 3-1 victory over Ukraine on Thursday night, propelling his national team into the World Cup 2026 playoff final and providing a timely confidence boost ahead of Arsenal's Premier League title charge.

The 27-year-old Arsenal striker struck first in the sixth minute at Valencia's Ciutat de Valencia stadium, converting a cross from Benjamin Nygren to open the scoring. He added a second in the 51st minute, latching onto a long pass from goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt and finishing with power and precision. Gyokeres completed his treble from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute after earning the foul himself. Ukraine pulled one back late through Matvii Ponomarenko, but the result secured Sweden's advancement to face Poland on Tuesday in Stockholm, with the winner earning a place at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Sweden coach Graham Potter, who took charge in October, praised Gyokeres for more than just the goals. "Viktor's performance was incredible," Potter said. "Outside of the goals, his hold-up play and defensive responsibility for the team were part of an incredible performance." The win marked...