Viktor Gyökeres Shines for Sweden Ahead of World Cup

Viktor Gyökeres has taken his domestic form straight onto the international stage, striking a superb free-kick as Sweden drew 2-2 with Greece in their final warm-up before the 2026 World Cup.

In Stockholm, the Swedish forward reminded everyone why he has become one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers. This time, it was from a dead ball. Sweden trailed after Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas had put Greece in front, but Gyökeres stepped up in the second half and whipped a curling effort beyond the wall and into the net to drag his side level.

The goal shifted the mood inside the stadium. Sweden, suddenly sharper and more assertive, pushed on and turned the game around when Gustaf Nilsson struck to give the hosts the lead. They looked set to sign off from home soil with a win, only for Greece to land a late punch of their own. Deep into stoppage time, in the 95th minute, Giorgos Masouras pounced to make it 2-2 and silence the celebrations.

Sweden still leave for the World Cup with their main striker in rhythm and their attack firing, even if the final scoreline carried a sting.

Merino wears the armband as Spain held in A Coruña

Across in A Coruña, Spain also waved goodbye to their home supporters, but their send-off ended in a 1-1 draw against fellow World Cup qualifiers Iraq.

La Roja started with control and incision. Ferran Torres broke the deadlock, finishing after a neat set-up from Dani Olmo to give Spain the advantage. Iraq refused to fold. Merchas Doski caught goalkeeper Joan Garcia out and levelled the match, punishing a rare lapse and dragging Spain into a more awkward contest than many inside the stadium had anticipated.

The second half brought a notable moment for Mikel Merino. Introduced in the 68th minute in place of Alex Baena, the midfielder later took the captain’s armband, a clear show of trust as Spain saw out the stalemate. It was not a statement win, but it was another step in their preparation.

Spain now leave home behind and head across the Atlantic, bound for Mexico. Their final warm-up comes in Puebla, where they face Peru with the World Cup looming ever larger.

O’Neill’s senior breakthrough for Northern Ireland

Away from the World Cup build-up, one of the standout stories of the international window belonged to Ceadach O’Neill.

The Hale End winger, just 18, made his senior debut for Northern Ireland in a tight 1-0 victory over Guinea. Having already caught the eye in Premier League 2 and the UEFA Youth League, and been involved in first-team squads during the 2025/26 season, he took the next step on a warm night at the Estadio Municipal de la Linea de la Concepción in Cadiz.

O’Neill came off the bench in the 64th minute, replacing Isaac Price with the game delicately poised. Tom Atcheson had already struck what proved to be the winner, and Northern Ireland held their nerve to protect the lead, giving their young debutant a first taste of senior international football in a winning dressing room.

His reward could be an even bigger stage. Next up for Northern Ireland is a trip to Lille and the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, where they face France. Another of his club’s stars may be waiting on the opposite side. For an 18-year-old winger fresh from his first cap, there are few more enticing challenges.