Poland finished second in their qualifying group behind the Netherlands and now face Albania in a playoff semi-final. Robert Lewandowski's return from international exile adds firepower to Jan Urban's squad.

Yes, Poland can still qualify for the 2026 World Cup. They finished second in UEFA qualifying Group G behind the Netherlands and have a spot in the European playoffs. Two single-leg knockout wins in March 2026 and they're at the expanded 48-team tournament in North America.

Poland's qualifying campaign had genuine drama off the pitch as well as on it. A captaincy row between Robert Lewandowski and former coach Michał Probierz blew up mid-campaign, leading to Probierz's resignation and Jan Urban's appointment.

Lewandowski walked away from international football briefly before returning under the new manager. That saga is resolved now, and Poland head into the playoffs with their best player back and a point to prove.

Their Playoff Path B starts with a home semi-final against Albania on 26 March, and if they win, a final against either Ukraine or Sweden on 31 March. Poland are among the stronger teams in the playoff draw and will be expected to get the job done. For those looking to follow the action, World Cup betting odds are available ahead of the tournament.

How Poland Got Here: Group G Recap

Group G was a five-team group featuring the Netherlands, Poland, Finland, Lithuania and Malta. The Netherlands were always the team to beat, and Poland's realistic target was second place and the playoff spot that comes with it.

The campaign started solidly enough. A 1-0 win over Lithuania (Lewandowski scoring in the 81st minute) and a 2-0 home win over Malta in Warsaw, where Karol Świderski scored both goals, put Poland on six points from two matches. Then came the Finland away game in June 2025 that changed everything.

Poland lost 2-1 in Helsinki, a result that was damaging on the table and catastrophic behind the scenes. Just days earlier, Probierz had stripped Lewandowski of the captaincy and handed the armband to Piotr Zieliński.

Lewandowski, who had been excused from the squad citing exhaustion, publicly declared he wouldn't play for Poland as long as Probierz was in charge.

The Barcelona striker said he'd held the armband for 11 years and felt the decision was handled disrespectfully, delivered via a brief phone call while he was putting his children to bed.

Probierz resigned within days. Jan Urban, a former Poland international and experienced domestic league manager, was appointed in mid-June 2025.

His first order of business was bringing Lewandowski back and reinstating him as captain, with Zieliński named vice-captain. The squad's internal politics were resolved, and results improved.

Under Urban, Poland beat Finland 3-1 at home (goals from Matty Cash, Lewandowski and Jakub Kamiński), drew 1-1 away to the Netherlands in a match where Cash equalised late, beat Lithuania 2-0, and closed with a scrappy 3-2 win over Malta. They finished second on 17 points, behind the Netherlands on 20.

Group G Final Standings

• Netherlands: 20 points (qualified directly)
• Poland: 17 points (advanced to playoffs)
• Finland: 10 points (eliminated)
• Lithuania: 4 points (eliminated)
• Malta: 3 points (eliminated)

UEFA Playoff Path B: Poland's Route

The UEFA playoffs feature 16 teams split into four paths of four. Each path has two single-leg semi-finals and one single-leg final. No two-legged ties, no away goals, just 90 minutes (plus extra time and penalties if needed) to decide everything.

Poland's path:

• Semi-final (26 March 2026): Poland vs Albania – Poland hosts
• Other semi-final (26 March 2026): Ukraine vs Sweden
• Path B Final (31 March 2026): Winner of Poland/Albania vs winner of Ukraine/Sweden

Poland were seeded in Pot 2, giving them home advantage in the semi-final against Pot 3 opponents Albania. Playing in Warsaw at the National Stadium, in front of a passionate Polish crowd, is a significant edge. Poland's home record in qualifying was strong, and the atmosphere for a World Cup playoff should be immense.

Semi-Final Breakdown: Poland vs Albania

Poland will be strong favourites for this one. Albania are a well-drilled, organised side under Brazilian coach Sylvinho, but they lack the individual quality to match Poland across the pitch.

Albania qualified as Group K runners-up behind England. They finished on 14 points, which was a solid campaign, and they're no pushovers.

They beat Serbia and Latvia, drew with England at home, and generally made life difficult for everyone in the group. Their style is based on defensive solidity and quick transitions. They won't come to Warsaw and open up.

Poland's challenge will be breaking Albania down. If Lewandowski is fit and firing, his movement in the box and clinical finishing should create chances. But Albania have the kind of low-block defensive discipline that can frustrate more talented opponents, and a single-leg knockout format suits the underdog. One set piece, one counter-attack, and the script flips.

That said, Poland at home with Lewandowski, Zieliński pulling strings in midfield and a crowd behind them should have too much. The bookmakers agree, with Poland priced as clear favourites.

The Potential Final: Ukraine or Sweden

If Poland beat Albania, they'll face either Ukraine or Sweden in the Path B final on 31 March. Ukraine are favoured in that semi-final based on their superior qualifying form, but Sweden's individual talent (Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, Dejan Kulusevski) means they can't be ruled out.

A Poland vs Ukraine final would carry enormous weight beyond football. Poland has hosted most of Ukraine's "home" matches since Russia's invasion in 2022, and the two nations share deep sporting and geopolitical ties.

The atmosphere would be extraordinary. A Poland vs Sweden final would be a repeat of recent playoff history, with Poland having beaten Sweden in the 2022 World Cup qualifying playoffs to reach the tournament in Qatar.

Poland would back themselves in either scenario. They have more experience at this level than any other team in Path B, having appeared at nine World Cups. Lewandowski's big-game pedigree, even at 37, brings a calmness to high-pressure situations that younger squads can't replicate.

Poland's Key Players

Robert Lewandowski remains the focal point despite turning 37 in August 2025. Poland's all-time leading scorer with over 85 goals in more than 160 caps, his movement, finishing and leadership are irreplaceable. He ranks among the top goalscorers of all time in international football.

The brief international retirement saga actually seemed to galvanise the squad once he returned under Urban. His Barcelona form has fluctuated, but he still knows where the net is.

Piotr Zieliński is the creative heartbeat from Inter Milan. His passing range and ability to control tempo make him the player most likely to unlock a deep-sitting defence like Albania's. Named vice-captain after the armband reshuffle, his relationship with Lewandowski is crucial to how Poland play.

Sebastian Szymański (Fenerbahçe) adds energy and goals from midfield. He scored the opener in Poland's 2-0 win over Lithuania in the October qualifier and has become a regular starter under Urban.

Matty Cash provides attacking threat from right-back. The Aston Villa defender, who qualifies for Poland through his mother, scored in the 3-1 win over Finland and grabbed the equaliser against the Netherlands. He's become one of Poland's most important players in both defence and attack.

Jakub Kiwior anchors the defence. The former Arsenal centre-back moved to FC Porto and brings composure and experience at the back.

What Happens If Poland Qualify for the World Cup?

The World Cup draw is already done. The winner of Playoff Path B goes into Group F with the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia. For Poland, that means an immediate rematch with the Dutch, the team that topped their qualifying group.

Poland actually drew 1-1 with the Netherlands during qualifying, so there's recent evidence they can compete at that level. Japan and Tunisia complete a tough but not impossible group. The top two qualify automatically, and the eight best third-placed teams also advance to the round of 32, giving Poland multiple routes through. Understanding the World Cup group rankings can help assess their chances.

Poland's most recent World Cup appearance was 2022 in Qatar, where they advanced from the group stage (which included Argentina, Mexico and Saudi Arabia) before losing 3-1 to France in the round of 16. That squad was built around Lewandowski, and if he makes it to 2026, he'll be 37 during the tournament. It could well be his final World Cup.

Betting Markets and Angles

Poland's playoff matches present several punting opportunities on Sportsbet. Those interested in soccer betting will find a range of markets available for these crucial qualifiers.

Match Result: Poland vs Albania Prediction

Poland are expected to be comfortable favourites at home. Albania's defensive approach might keep the scoreline tight, but Poland's quality should tell over 90 minutes.

The draw after 90 minutes (with the match then going to extra time) is a real possibility given Albania's ability to frustrate, which could offer value for punters who think this goes the distance.

To Qualify / Path B Winner

Poland and Ukraine are roughly level in the betting to win Path B. Poland's home advantage in the semi-final and the likelihood of facing Ukraine (who would have played an away semi-final just five days earlier) in the final gives them a marginal edge in pathway markets. Punters backing Poland to qualify should also consider the home advantage factor in a potential Warsaw final.

Total Goals

Poland vs Albania shapes as a lower-scoring affair than the Ukraine vs Sweden semi-final. Albania concede few goals and won't come to Warsaw looking for an open game. Under 2.5 goals is a genuine consideration, though Poland's attacking quality means a 2-0 or 2-1 result is the most likely winning scoreline.

Goalscorer Markets

Lewandowski is the obvious anytime goalscorer pick. He scored three goals in qualifying and his penalty record is outstanding. If Poland win a spot kick, he'll be on it. Zieliński and Cash are live alternatives at bigger prices, given both contributed goals during the qualifying campaign.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Poland qualified for the 2026 World Cup?

No. Poland finished second in UEFA qualifying Group G behind the Netherlands and must win two playoff matches in March 2026 to secure their spot.

Who do Poland play in the World Cup playoffs?

Poland host Albania in the Playoff Path B semi-final on 26 March 2026. The winner faces either Ukraine or Sweden in the final on 31 March.

What World Cup group would Poland be in?

If Poland qualify via Playoff Path B, they'd be placed in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.

Who is the Poland coach?

Jan Urban was appointed in mid-June 2025 after Michał Probierz resigned following a captaincy dispute with Robert Lewandowski. Urban brought Lewandowski back into the fold and reinstated him as captain.

Is Robert Lewandowski still playing for Poland?

Yes. Lewandowski briefly retired from international football in June 2025 after falling out with former coach Probierz over the captaincy. He returned when Jan Urban was appointed and has been captain and first-choice striker throughout the remainder of qualifying.

How many times has Poland been to the World Cup?

Poland have appeared at nine World Cups. Their best results were third-place finishes in 1974 and 1982. Most recently, they reached the round of 16 at the 2022 tournament in Qatar before losing to France.

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