Italy stay alive in FIFA World Cup 2026 race, Gyokeres hat-trick boosts Sweden

Italy moved one step closer to ending their World Cup drought with a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres' hat-trick powered Sweden into the playoff final, setting up a decisive clash against Poland.

In Short

• Italy won 2-0 against Northern Ireland in European playoffs
• Sandro Tonali scored the opening goal in the 56th minute
• Moise Kean scored the second goal in the 80th minute

Italy kept their FIFA World Cup 2026 hopes alive with a composed 2-0 win over Northern Ireland in Bergamo, taking a crucial step forward in the European playoffs. The result means the four-time world champions are now just one win away from ending their 12-year absence from the tournament.

After a tense first half, Italy found their breakthrough in the 56th minute through Sandro Tonali, whose clean half-volley settled nerves and shifted momentum firmly in their favour. From that point, Italy looked far more assured, controlling possession and dictating the tempo.

The second goal arrived in the 80th minute, and once again Tonali was at the heart of it. His crossfield pass found Moise Kean, who took a composed touch before sliding his finish past the goalkeeper to seal the win. It was a performance that combined patience with precision, something Italy have often lacked in recent campaigns.

Under Gennaro Gattuso, Italy now move on to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in a high-stakes playoff final. With two consecutive World Cups missed, the pressure remains immense, but this victory at least keeps their revival on track.

GYOKERES HATTRICK BOOSTS SWEDEN'S HOPES

Elsewhere, Viktor Gykeres delivered one of the standout performances of the playoff round, scoring a hat-trick in Sweden’s 3-1 win over Ukraine. The striker, who had endured a quiet qualifying campaign, stepped up when it mattered most.

Gyokeres struck early, added a second soon after the break, and then completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot to cap a dominant display. His performance not only secured Sweden’s progression but also reignited belief after a difficult group stage.

Sweden will now face Robert Lewandowski and Poland in the playoff final, setting up a clash between two of Europe’s most dangerous attacking focal points. With a World Cup spot on the line, Gyokeres’ timely return to form could prove decisive.

- Ends