Newcastle's Anthony Elanga clinched World Cup qualification with Sweden before partying all night at a nightclub
Anthony Elanga of Sweden celebrates winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Sweden and Poland at Strawberry Arena on March 31, 2026 in Solna, Sweden.
Anthony Elanga and his Sweden team-mates enjoyed wild celebrations after qualifying for the World Cup(Image: Sebastian Frej, Getty Images)
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Anthony Elanga partied "like never before" after helping Sweden qualify for the World Cup 2026 finals. The Newcastle United winger scored the 19th minute opener for his country against Poland in Sweden's final World Cup qualifier, before Viktor Gyokeres fired home an 88th-minute winner.
The £55million Magpies star and his team-mates went from drenching Sweden's Prime Minister with champagne in the dressing room to slipping through the back entrance of one of Stockholm's most exclusive nightclubs, where they partied until the early hours of the morning.
Arsenal striker Gyokeres had pledged to "party like never before" in his post-match interview to mark the historic moment with celebrations befitting the accomplishment. And the players did precisely that.
Sweden's heroes initially headed back to their hotel where they were welcomed by family members. Elanga was seen yelling with joy as he descended the team bus. The players then switched into evening attire, ranging from hoodies to designer jackets, and climbed into minibuses that transported them to Stureplan - a lively public square in central Stockholm.
Aston Villa's Victor Lindelof, a veteran of the national team, was earlier seen with two beers in hand and carried a Sweden flag into the V nightclub, which they entered via a garage at Sturecompagniet.
Viktor Gyokeres stepping off Sweden's team bus
Arsenal's Gyokeres scored the winner to take Sweden to the World Cup
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Lindelof, who had previously described the beers he enjoyed following the initial Ukraine result as a "few quick calories", took things up a notch on Tuesday evening. The former Manchester United defender's wife later shared a selfie on her Instagram story from bed, revealing that the squad didn't go to bed until after 4am and confirming they celebrated through the night.
Speaking beforehand about the festivities, he had said: "There will probably be a lot of good drinking, a little dancing and then we'll see where it leads us. I'm captain so I would probably solve that somehow, but I think we have some other younger people who are on that ball.
"I'm pretty good at dancing, give me a few units and I'll be strong. I'm definitely not the first to leave, I'm usually the last. I've been to a few and had some good parties but the young people can say what they want and I'll be able to fix it a bit depending on what they want to do."
Midfielder Besfort Zeneli shared similar views, telling Sportbladet: "I don't think the club will be too happy about this interview but there will be no sleep tonight."
Discussing the champagne festivities in the changing room beforehand, Zeneli said: "They went wild in there. Everyone was almost sprayed. I survived. I tried to hide pretty well behind people." Braga’s Gustaf Lagerbielke had sprayed Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson with champagne. Gustav Lundgren took a victory sip from his beer bottle during his own post-match interview before saying: "It tastes good. It’s fun to celebrate. I’m keen to start the celebrations."
Zeneli, when asked about who would lead the party, confirmed: "Lindelof maybe. He’s the most experienced. He should know a little. He probably knows how and what we should do. I believe in him."
Viktor Lindelof in bed
Viktor Lindelof led the celebrations(Image: majanilssonlindelof)
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Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall admitted they were in for a long night and when asked if the players would have the next day off, he responded: "Yes, I think so. I hope so."
Gyokeres had already netted an impressive hat-trick against Ukraine last Thursday, setting up a World Cup play-off final showdown with Poland in Stockholm. Elanga played a starring role in the previous game and started against Poland, quickly repaying Graham Potter’s faith in him with a stunning finish inside the box to open the scoring.
With the match seemingly heading to extra-time, Gyokeres emerged the hero once more in front of the home supporters, scoring an 88th minute winner after a scramble in the box. His strike sparked jubilant scenes on the pitch and in the stands, having saved the day again for Potter.
Sweden's win over Poland secures their place in Group F at the World Cup, joining the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia. Elanga and company will kick-off their tournament against Tunisia on June 15.
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