Benjamin Nygren returns from the international break with something no amount of training can create, and that’s the memory of winning when his country needed him most. Helping Sweden qualify for this summer’s World Cup was the best experience of my football career so far, the 24-year-old Swedish midfielder told the media in a media interview broadcast on BBC Sport, adding that the night felt like a movie.
Nygren scored in Sweden’s 3-2 win over Poland in Tuesday’s play-off final to ensure Sweden’s qualification. Graham Potter’s side previously finished bottom of Group B in qualifying before battling in the Nations League third tier play-offs involving Slovakia, Estonia and Azerbaijan. The Swede, who joined Celtic from North Zealand on a five-year contract in the summer of 2025, did not hesitate to directly compare Sweden’s unlikely qualification to Celtic’s current position in the title race.
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He admitted Celtic entered the week seven points behind league leaders Hearts with seven games remaining after losing to Dundee United just before half-time, but pointed to belief and collective spirit as the tools to see the Swedish side through.
“It’s an unbelievable experience,” Nygren said of his country’s unlikely qualification for the World Cup.
“It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid. It was an incredible night. I think it’s the best experience of my football career so far. It’s almost like a movie. In a way, it’s a bit of the same situation,” the 24-year-old added.
“In Sweden we got knocked out but we did it. It was an absolutely unbelievable feeling. I want to do the same thing here. Just keep training hard and keep believing. I think that’s the most important thing. As individuals but also as a team, believe as a team.
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The whole club, players, staff, fans, everyone is together. Then we can do it. It’s in the tough moments that you really show who you are as a person and a team. This is what we need to do. I’ve said it before, but I think we have a great team and a great team. I think we’ve shown many times this season that we never stop believing, we never stop trying. So I believe in this team. “
Does Nygren’s belief matter, or is the gap too large?
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 29: Celtic’s Benjamin Nygren celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 league stage MD8 match between Celtic FC and Utrecht at Celtic Park on January 29, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian McNichol/Getty Images)
Nygren’s confidence was convincing, but in a league as ruthless as the Scottish Premiership, confidence alone can rarely turn around a seven-point deficit. Hearts have had an excellent season, taking advantage of odd performances from Celtic and Rangers to sit firmly at the top of the table heading into 2026. Celtic, meanwhile, changed managers in a way that unsettled the dressing room, switching from Brendan Rodgers to Wilfried Nancy before sticking with Martin O’Neill. Despite the chaos, Nygren has remained consistent, scoring 19 goals and seven assists this season.
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However, the reality facing the 24-year-old is more complicated than his scoring record. He’s often in and out of games, and the Celtics have yet to determine his best position. While his World Cup heroics boosted morale, the logic was different. Sweden needs a big night; Celtic needs to be perfect for seven weeks. His call comes as bittersweet as interest in the Premier League grows. Celtic’s most important player is likely to be leaving, and no amount of film memory will change things at the club.
