Sweden's Lindelof Relishes Big Match Against Poland

Dream match' awaits Sweden's Lindelof and Co.

Sweden captain Victor Lindelof is embracing the pressure ahead of the World Cup playoff final against Poland. Sweden's Lindelof savors the chance to play a big match on home soil against Poland.

Lindelof and Sweden face Poland in a crucial World Cup qualifier at home...

Sweden's Victor Lindelof is geared up for the playoff final against Poland, calling it 'the kind of match you dream of playing'. The Swedes are looking to bounce back from a disappointing qualifying group performance, and their 3-1 semi-final win over Ukraine has raised expectations high.

A massive crowd of almost 50,000 is expected at Solna's Strawberry Arena, and Lindelof is ready to lead the team into the battle for a World Cup spot. 

Sweden's captain Victor Lindelof is embracing the pressure, loving the chance to play a big game on home turf.

“It doesn't get any bigger. These are the kind of matches you dream of playing,” said the centre-back at the pre-match press conference.

“I've been lucky enough to play many big matches in front of big crowds, but when you play for your country it means a little extra,” Lindelof added.

“We are not just playing for ourselves, but for everyone who is here watching and everyone at home too. It is a powerful and big responsibility that we are all looking forward to.”

Lindelof is part of the Sweden squad that made it to the 2018 World Cup quarterfinals after beating Italy in a playoff, and he's now leading the team into another high-stakes match, this time against Poland, on home soil.

“The feeling is about the same. There has been a very good atmosphere in the team and you can see that everyone has this goodness in their eyes and is ready to go out and do the work that is required,” he said, comparing the mood in the camp to that of late 2017

Graham Potter, Sweden's head coach, is on the same page as captain Victor Lindelof, loving the atmosphere and relishing the challenge ahead after his team's win over Ukraine.

“This is a fantastic opportunity. We are one match away from reaching the World Cup, it's a dream,” said Potter.

Sweden's Graham Potter is bullish about Kristoffer Nordfeldt keeping his place, saying the 36-year-old goalkeeper's chances of starting against Poland are “closer to 100” percent. Nordfeldt impressed Potter with his performance against Ukraine, despite conceding a late goal.

Nordfeldt, a late substitute in Sweden's 2018 World Cup playoff win over Italy, has become a key player under Potter, and the coach is loving his attitude and experience.

Tillbaka på Strawberry 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/8JoMDRybTl

— Svensk Fotboll (@svenskfotboll) March 29, 2026

Sweden's starting lineup is set to change due to injuries. Isak Hien, who played against Ukraine, is out with a thigh injury, and Eric Smith has also been omitted from the squad due to a training injury. Victor Eriksson from Hammarby has been added to the squad as a replacement.

Sweden's coach, Graham Potter, will have to reshuffle his team, likely replacing Hien with Eriksson. This change, combined with Smith's absence, adds to Sweden's defensive woes ahead of their playoff final against Poland.

“Excuse me, what was the question? I started thinking about something else,” he admitted.

“It's not the first time a player has drifted off while I'm talking!” Potter quickly interjected.

Sweden captain Victor Lindelof had everyone chuckling at the press conference when he zoned out mid-question.