Despite dominating long stretches of the match and twice coming from behind, Poland were undone by Sweden’s clinical finishing.
Anthony Elanga opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Nicola Zalewski equalised 13 minutes later, but Sweden regained the lead just before halftime through a Gustaf Lagerbielke header.
Karol Świderski made it 2-2 in the 55th minute, finishing from close range. However, Viktor Gyökeres struck in the 88th to secure Sweden's place at the World Cup.
Poland captain Robert Lewandowski failed to register a shot on target.
Coached by Jan Urban, Poland had reached the playoff final with a 2-1 win over Albania in Warsaw.
Despite Tuesday's defeat, Polish Football Association (PZPN) head Cezary Kulesza said Urban would remain in charge and is set to receive a contract extension.
Poland are ranked 34th worldwide by football's governing body FIFA, while Sweden are No. 42 in the FIFA table.
Poland beat Sweden 2-0 in a playoff decider for the 2022 World Cup, but their overall record against the Scandinavians remains unfavourable, with nine wins, four draws and 16 defeats.
Poland have not won away to Sweden since 1930, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico, featuring 48 teams—16 more than in 2022.
Sweden will face Tunisia, the Netherlands and Japan in the group stage, following a draw in Washington on December 5.
Poland reached the last 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar before being eliminated by eventual runners-up France. They also qualified for the 2018 tournament in Russia but exited in the group stage.
Poland finished third in the 1974 World Cup in West Germany and were also third in Spain in 1982.
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Source: IAR, PAP, TVP Info