Benjamin Nygren: Swedish media react to Celtic star’s display despite ‘difficulty’ as World Cup place booked
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Credit: Imago Wed 1 April 2026 8:45, UK Benjamin Nygren played his part in wild celebrations away from Celtic as Sweden qualified for the World Cup on Tuesday by beating Poland 3-2 in the play-off final. Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres was the man of the moment when he smashed home in the 88th minute to break Polish hearts and book his side a ticket to North America this summer.Nygren was in from the start and got the assist for Gustaf Lagerbielke’s goal to make it 2-1, after Anthony Elanga’s effort had been cancelled out by Nicola Zalweski.Karol Swiderski scored after the break to put Poland back on terms, but Graham Potter’s side were not to be denied.
Celtic’s form must improve significantly before the end of the season if they are to claw back the Scottish Premiership, and Nygren will be key to any chance of that happening. ⚽ Celtic Matchday ⚽ >Team news, line-ups, expert previews and verdicts, and tactical analysis for every Hoops fixture. The midfielder’s stunning free-kick found the head of Lagerbielke for a goal created by Celtic present and past.But, aside from that, his performance was largely made up of his defensive work.
Nygren made four clearances, four recoveries and two tackles before he was substituted in the second half.Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen rated his performance as “good” and wrote: “Perfectly struck free kick straight at Lagerbielke’s head at 2-1. 🇸🇪 Benjamin Nygren is heading to the World Cup!The Celtic midfielder played a crucial role in the play-off against Poland, setting up former Bhoys defender Gustaf Lagerbielke for the second goal in a 3-2 victory. pic.twitter.com/HaxPW3308U— The Celtic Way (@celticway1888) March 31, 2026 View Tweet “Otherwise had difficulty threatening the opponents and mixed and gave in the passing game.”How Sweden inexplicably qualified for the World CupSweden’s qualification for the World Cup play-offs is a story within itself. Potter’s arrival would not see a massive difference, with Sweden ultimately finishing bottom of their qualifying group, having failed to win a single game.But incredibly, a quirk allowed the nation to qualify for the play-offs regardless, after they topped their Nations League C group in 2024.Given the chance, they have grabbed it with both hands and will now take their place at this summer’s World Cup.