Nygren and Lagerbielke’s delight, concern over Trusty’s fitness

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Nygren and Lagerbielke’s delight, concern over Trusty’s fitness

Nygren and Lagerbielke's delight, concern over Trusty's fitness

The Celtic Star

Wed, Apr 1, 2026 ·

4 min read

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Benjamin Nygren and Gustaf LagerBielke were both euphoric last night, along with the entire Swedish nation, after they came through the play-off final beating Poland 3-2 to secure an unlikely place at the World Cup Finals this summer…

Benjamin Nygren of Sweden celebrates after 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. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)

Sweden had finished bottom of their qualifying group with just two points from eight games with six defeats and two draws but their Nation League success earned them their get out of jail play-off which paid off in spectacular style last night.

And it was clear that Celtic's top goalscorer was on cloud nine after playing his part in the Swedish triumph. Nygren, who got an assist for former Celt Gustaf Lagerbielke goal which was the second of the night for Scandinavia's only representative at the finals in USA, Canada and Mexico .

Viktor Gyoekeres of Sweden celebrates victory with teammate Benjamin Nygren following 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. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)

Both Nygren and Lagerbielke spoke to the media afterwards. "When the third goal went in, there was just euphoria. We all ran onto the field and celebrated with everyone," Benjamin Nygren said as reported by Scottish Sun. "It was absolutely magical to share that moment. It's probably every little boy's biggest dream to play in the World Cup with Sweden – at least it's always been mine.

"I'm so happy for Viktor. It feels like it's meant to be in some way. He's had so much pressure on his shoulders, because he's the star he is. It can't always be easy," the Celtic star said.

Benjamin Nygren of Sweden celebrates with teammates Gustaf Lagerbielke and Lucas Bergvall after 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. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)

And Gustaf Lagerbielke afterwards admitted that he sprayed champagne over Sweden's Prime Minster Ulf Kristersson in the wild dressing room celebrations after the 3-2 win over Poland.

The former Celtic defender explained: "He gave a speech, then we each opened our champagne and sprayed. He sprayed in a neutral place, I sprayed on him! But he took it well, he said that we 'saved his summer'."

Auston Trusty of United States reacts during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Meanwhile Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has a fitness concern over Auston Trusty after the Celtic central defender appeared to suffer an injury problem in the closing stages of the USA's 2-0 defeat to Portugal.

Kieran Tierney of Scotland warms up prior to an international friendly match between Scotland and Ivory Coast on March 31, 2026.. (Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images)

Kieran Tierney came through the Scotland game against Ivory Coast at Everton 's new stadium with the Celtic star playing on the left hand side of a back three in the 1-0 defeat, Scotland's second narrow loss in the international break after losing to Japan , with Daizen Maeda wearing the captain's armband. Japan completed a British double by winning 1-0 against England at Wembley last night.

The Celtic squad will be making their way back to Lennoxtown tomorrow morning for training as preparations intensify for Celtic's trip to Dens Park on Sunday afternoon to face Steven Pressley's Dundee side. The Champions have lost all three visits to the City of Discovery this season and cannot afford any further set-backs.

Alistair Johnston back on the grass at Lennoxtown. Photo Instagram

Alastair Johnston and Arne Engels should be joining the sessions this week while it remains to be seen in Colby Donovan's fitness will be assessed after picking up a knock at Tannadice after falling over the advertising hoardings.

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