In a post on his Instagram, Lewandowski included no caption, but the message was clear through the song accompanying it: Time To Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman, signaling an unmistakable farewell.

This could very well have been Lewandowski’s last match with Poland. At 37 years old, his international career may be coming to an end, and the choice of a song that represents a goodbye only reinforces the message.

Poland’s missed opportunity

Poland had a difficult run, beginning the playoffs against Albania, where they came from behind to win 2-1, with Robert Lewandowski scoring the first goal. They arrived at Strawberry Arena hopeful of securing a spot, but Sweden stole their chance in the final minutes.

The match started in Sweden’s favor with a goal from Anthony Elanga in the 19th minute. Poland responded in the first half with an equalizer from Nicola Zalewski, but Sweden regained the lead before halftime thanks to a goal from Gustaf Lagerbielke.

Just minutes into the second half, in the 55th minute, Karol Swiderski scored to tie the game again. The score remained 2-2 until the 88th minute, when Viktor Gyokeres, the Arsenal standout, delivered the decisive goal that secured Sweden’s qualification.

How many World Cups has Lewandowski played?

Robert Lewandowski has played in two World Cups: Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. In Russia 2018, he made his World Cup debut, appearing in all three group stage matches against Senegal, Colombia, and Japan, but did not score, and Poland were eliminated in the first round.

In Qatar 2022, Lewandowski played in all four matches for Poland. He scored his only two World Cup goals: one against Saudi Arabia in the group stage and a penalty against France in the Round of 16, where Poland were eliminated 3-1.

As for Sweden, joy and jubilation are the name of the game in the “Elongated Country.” After a nail-biting showdown in Solna, the Blue and Yellows are through to the World Cup. Fans already know which group Sweden will be joining at the 2026 World Cup, and the national team can go ahead and book its flight to Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

For Poland, words can’t even begin to describe the utter heartbreak in the “Land of Fields.” The Eagles were oh so close, yet so far from making it to another World Cup. Despite a grueling journey through UEFA’s World Cup Qualifiers, Poland have come away empty-handed.

Poland miss World Cup for first time in over a decade

The Eagles had appeared in the last two World Cups (2018 and 2022), but failed to make it three in a row after Viktor Gyokeres’ late goal proved the difference in Path B’s final of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers playoffs. As a result, Poland are out of the World Cup for the first time since the 2014 tournament, held in Brazil.

Poland’s curse in the Americas continues

As the World Cup returns to the Americas, the Poles will be absent again. World Cups held in the “New World” have been elusive for the Polish national team. Poland have only participated in two of the nine tournaments held on the American continent.

The Poles qualified for Argentina 1978 and Mexico 1986 but missed Uruguay 1930, Brazil 1950, Chile 1962, Mexico 1970, USA 1994, Brazil 2014, and the 2026 tournament in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

Thanks to their triumph over Poland, Sweden will be grouped with the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia in the World Cup. Group F is set to be one of the most competitive and evenly matched in the tournament. Fans in the “Elongated Country” can hardly wait for the 2026 World Cup to begin.

The Swedes will make their debut against Tunisia—on paper, their easiest opponent in the group stage—on June 14. Almost a week later, the Blue and Yellows will go head to head with fellow UEFA rival the Netherlands on June 20. Closing out the World Cup group stage, Sweden will take on Japan on June 25.

Sweden are back in World Cup

After missing the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Sweden are back in the biggest soccer tournament. It wasn’t without a fair share of drama, though. In a back-and-forth showdown, it was Viktor Gyokeres who found the back of the net minutes away from full time to send his country to the World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup will be Sweden’s second appearance in the last five world championships. Sweden had last made it to the 2018 edition, held in Russia. That time, Sweden was knocked out in the quarterfinals after falling at the hands of England by a score of 2-0.

Gyokeres: Sweden’s national hero

All eyes were on Viktor Gyokeres as Sweden hosted Poland in the Path B final of the European playoffs. Far from being fazed by the spotlight, the striker rose to the occasion when his country needed him most. After staying quiet all night at Friends Arena, Gyokeres pounced on a loose ball inside the box and made no mistake. It had to be him.

Gyokeres followed his hat trick against Ukraine in the semifinal with the golden goal in the final to send Sweden through. For the first time since 2018, the “Elongated Country” is World Cup-bound.

The game started with an early goal by Anthony Elanga that made Solna burst into joy. A few minutes later, Nicola Zalewski appeared to momentarily tie the game for Poland, but Sweden took the advantage again before halftime with a goal by Gustaf Lagerbielke.

In the second half, Karol Swiderski took advantage of a mistake by Sweden’s defense to score the equalizer. Nevertheless, with just three minutes left in regulation time, Victor Gyokeres scored the final goal to send Sweden to the World Cup.

Following their narrow semifinal victory over Albania, the “White-Reds” enter this winner-takes-all clash knowing there is no safety net left in their qualifying campaign.

Robert Lewandowski leads a Polish side looking to overcome a difficult historical record on Swedish soil. This decisive matchup marks the end of the road for the European Qualifiers, where 90 minutes will decide the future of both programs.

What happens if Poland beat Sweden today?

Poland will officially qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup if they beat Sweden today, securing their ticket to the tournament in North America and eliminating their rivals in this winner-takes-all UEFA play-off final.

By winning this play-off path, they would join a Group F that already features the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia. This would set up a challenging schedule for the White and Reds, starting with a crucial opening match against Tunisia, followed by a heavyweight showdown with the Dutch.

Entering the group as the “UEFA Path B winner”, Poland would look to improve on their previous World Cup campaigns and navigate a group where every point will be vital to reaching the knockout stages.

What happens if Poland and Sweden tie today?

If Poland and Sweden are level after 90 minutes, the match will go into extra time and potentially penalties to decide who qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In this format, there are no second chances.

A draw in regulation time does not change the stakes but raises the pressure significantly. Both teams would have to rely on extra time strategy, substitutions and ultimately mental strength if the match reaches a penalty shootout.

Given how evenly matched both sides are expected to be, a draw scenario often becomes a psychological battle as much as a tactical one, with fatigue and precision playing a decisive role late in the game.

What happens if Poland lose to Sweden today?

Poland will be eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification race if they lose to Sweden today, ending their European play-off campaign immediately. In this knockout final format, defeat means there is no second opportunity.

As reported around the fixture buildup, the match represents a winner-takes-all scenario at the Strawberry Arena, meaning the losing side will see their 2026 World Cup hopes officially come to an end on the final whistle.

A return to the world’s biggest stage hangs in the balance as Poland and Sweden will look its place in the next World Cup. Poland enter as the favorites, backed by a talented roster and strong recent form, including a gritty 2-1 semifinal victory over Albania that showcased their resilience under pressure.

Sweden, however, arrives with plenty of momentum of its own after a commanding 3-1 win against Ukraine, proving they have the firepower and discipline to challenge anyone. With both teams carrying history, confidence, and everything to lose, this showdown promises high stakes and high drama.

When will the Sweden vs Poland match be played?

Sweden play against Poland on Tuesday, March 31, in the Path B final of the World Cup qualifiers, with kickoff slated for 2:45 PM (ET). Follow our liveblog of Sweden vs Poland!

Sweden vs Poland: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:45 PM
CT: 1:45 PM
MT: 12:45 PM
PT: 11:45 AM

How to watch Sweden vs Poland in the USA

Catch the thrilling UEFA World Cup qualifiers showdown between Sweden and Poland in the USA. Stream the action on ViX.

In a match that proved challenging from the start, the home team managed to turn the score around. First, Robert Lewandowski and later Zielinski found the net.

Albania have taken the lead, finishing the first half with a goal from Arber Hoxha. Unfortunately, they couldn’t maintain the result and ended up being eliminated.

A tough opponent ahead

Sweden thrashed Ukraine on the road, establishing themselves as a formidable opponent. Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal standout, scored all three goals as his team convincingly defeated Ukraine 3-1.

When is the next round scheduled?

The next round will take place on Tuesday, the 31st. Sweden will host Poland in a match that will decide one of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Poland eyeing another World Cup

Poland have participated in nine FIFA World Cups throughout their history, with their debut dating back to 1938. The national team’s most successful era occurred during the 1970s and 80s, where they achieved their best-ever finish of third place on two separate occasions, in 1974 and 1982.

Their most recent appearance was at Qatar 2022, where they reached the Round of 16 for the first time in over three decades.

In a tightly contested group, even a single point can make a difference, turning this matchup into more than just another game. Whether it’s a win, draw or loss, each scenario carries different consequences.

The match will be played at the PGE Narodowy in Warsaw on March 26, with kickoff set for 2:45 PM ET (11:45 AM PT) in the United States.

What happens if Poland beat Albania today?

If Poland win, they advance to the playoff final and move one step away from qualifying for the World Cup. A victory would send them into the final of Path B in the qualifiers, where they would face the winner of Ukraine vs Sweden.

That decisive match is scheduled for March 31, with a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the line. However, even with a win, qualification would not yet be secured. Poland would still need to win the final to officially book their ticket to the World Cup.

What happens if Poland and Albania tie?

If the match between Poland and Albania ends in a draw, it will go to extra time and possibly penalties to decide who advances. Because this is a single-leg playoff semifinal, there is no second match or aggregate score.

What happens if Poland lose to Albania today?

If Poland lose, they are eliminated from the playoffs and will not qualify for the 2026 World Cup. A defeat would end head coach Jan Urban team’s campaign instantly, as the playoff system offers no second chances.

Albania would advance to the Path B final instead, keeping their qualification hopes alive. The playoff format is unforgiving—only the winner of each path advances—so a single loss is enough to end the journey.

[Watch Poland vs Albania online in the US on Fubo]

It’s a clash of contrasting World Cup pedigrees as Poland meets Albania in a high-stakes showdown. Poland brings a deep tournament résumé, highlighted by its historic third-place finish at the Germany 1974 WC, and will lean on that experience to navigate the pressure.

But this is far from a mismatch—Albania has surged in recent years, emerging as an organized side capable of challenging elite teams. With dreams of reaching their first-ever World Cup, Albania enters with urgency and belief, knowing a win here could mark a defining moment in the nation’s soccer history.

When will the Poland vs Albania match be played?

Poland clash with Albania on Thursday, March 26, in the Path B semifinal of the World Cup qualifiers, with kickoff slated for 3:45 PM (ET).

Poland vs Albania: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:45 PM
CT: 2:45 PM
MT: 1:45 PM
PT: 12:45 PM

How to watch Poland vs Albania in the USA

Catch the thrilling UEFA World Cup qualifiers showdown between Poland and Albania in the USA. Stream the action on Fubo. Other options: DirecTV Stream, FS2 and ViX.

When speaking about the greatest strikers of the century, it shouldn’t take long for Lewandowski’s name to come up. The Polish forward has torn through records left and right in his soccer career, and it’s only fitting that he is now nearing Messi and Ronaldo territory.

With his header against Malta, Lewandowski scored his 34th career goal in World Cup Qualifiers. As reported by MisterChip (@2010MisterChip on X), ‘Lewan’ is just two games away from Messi’s 36 tallies for Argentina. As for Ronaldo, the Portuguese striker is still a longer way ahead, as he has scored 41 times for ‘The Navigators’ in World Cup Qualifiers.

Lewandowski still has a chance

Though Poland failed to officially qualify, they aren’t eliminated from World Cup contention just yet. Instead, the Eagles will be competing in the UEFA Play-Off Round. Meanwhile, both Messi’s Argentina and Ronaldo’s Portugal won’t play another qualifiers match for the foreseeable future, and it’s unclear whether the two greats will still be active by the time their nations begin their campaigns for the 2030 World Cup.

However, Lewandowski and Poland could play up to two more games—enough for the striker to potentially surpass Messi on the all-time leaderboard for most goals in World Cup Qualifiers. Though Ronaldo sits seven goals ahead, soccer fans around the globe wouldn’t put it past Lewandowski to chase down that milestone. After all, he once scored five goals in nine minutes—and his thirst for scoring in bunches is still ever-present.

Goals’ record isn’t main priority

Regardless, while the goals record is certainly an added motivator, Lewandowski’s sole focus will be securing his country’s place in the upcoming World Cup. If the road to the world’s biggest tournament requires him to finish scoreless, then so be it. For ‘Lewan’, the flag sits above any individual accolade.

Though Poland struggled at times, they ultimately pushed through to defeat Malta by a score of 3-2 in the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. However, the Netherlands had no trouble getting past Lithuania at Johan Cruyff Arena, clinching their ticket to the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Now, the Netherlands are through to soccer’s biggest tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. As for Poland, their journey to the World Cup will hang on them hurdling another obstacle.

Despite their win against Malta, Poland failed to finish on first place in Group G, which means they haven’t qualified for the 2026 World Cup. However, Poland are far from eliminated. Finishing in second place of their group means ‘The Eagles’ will be participating in the UEFA Play-Off Round.

UEFA Play-Off: How does it work?

All 12 group winners in the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers are through to the World Cup, being stress-free until the tournament kicks off next summer. As for the runner-ups, they will be joined by the four best-ranked group winners of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League—which haven’t made the World Cup—to compete for the final four spots in the FIFA 2026 World Cup.

All 16 teams will be drawn into four groups. Within each group, they will be paired into single-leg semi-finals, with the winners advancing to a final. Those who prevail in each final will then book their tickets to North America for the 2026 World Cup.

Thus, Poland are now just two wins away from reaching the pinnacle of international soccer. However, because luck plays a major role in determining each nation’s opponent, Poland will be hoping for a favorable matchup when the Play-Off draw takes place on November 20th.

Notable countries set to be in Play-Off round

While several groups have yet to officially determine its winner and runner-up, Poland can get a very clear of who they might face in the UEFA Play-Off. Among the biggest threats to the Eagles’ World Cup dream are: Italy, Denmark/Scotland, Turkey, Slovakia, Sweden, Ukraine, Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, and North Macedonia/Wales.