World Cup qualifiers: Viktor Gyokeres the hero for Sweden, Italy fall short

Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-1 (4-1 pen) Italy

A nightmare scenario unfolded for the Azzurri as they failed to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup. Italy took an early lead through Moise Kean, but the game shifted when Alessandro Bastoni was sent off.

Bosnia capitalized on the man advantage, equalizing through Haris Tabakovic. After a scoreless extra time, Bosnia remained clinical in the shootout, while Italy's nerves frayed, sending the home crowd in Zenica into a state of pure delirium.

Sweden 3-2 Poland

In a thrilling back-and-forth encounter at the Strawberry Arena, Sweden secured their ticket to North America. Graham Potter's side led twice through Anthony Elanga and Gustaf Lagerbielke, only to be pegged back both times by Nicola Zalewski and Karol Swiderski.

With extra time looming in the 88th minute, Viktor Gyokeres emerged as the hero, slamming home a loose ball during a chaotic goalmouth scramble to avenge Sweden's 2022 play-off defeat.

Czechia 2-2 (3-1 pen) Denmark

Prague witnessed a tactical battle that required the full 120 minutes and beyond. Pavel Sulc gave the Czechs a dream start in the 3rd minute, but Denmark fought back to lead late through Joachim Andersen and Kasper Hogh.

However, a Ladislav Krejci equalizer forced penalties. Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar proved the difference-maker in the shootout, saving two Danish attempts to send Czechia to their first World Cup since 2006.

Kosovo 0-1 Turkey

In a tense, low-scoring affair in Pristina, Turkey ended their 24-year World Cup drought. Kosovo put up a resilient defensive performance, frustrating the Turkish attackers for much of the night.

However, Turkey's superior experience eventually told as they found the decisive breakthrough to secure a narrow 1-0 victory. The win sees Turkey slot into a challenging World Cup group alongside the United States, Paraguay, and Australia this coming summer.