The 2026 World Cup playoff draw set Poland’s path: a March 26 semifinal against Albania, with a possible March 31 final against either Sweden or Ukraine.
Semifinal vs Albania on March 26
The 2026 World Cup playoff draw fixed Poland’s first hurdle: a semifinal face‑off with Albania on March 26, likely at the PGE Narodowy stadium.
Playing on home turf and with fan support, Poland hopes the home advantage will help secure a win and advance to the final playoff match.
Potential Final Opponents: Sweden or Ukraine
If Poland defeats Albania, the winner of a separate pairing—Sweden versus Ukraine—will become the final opponent on March 31.
Thus, the decisive match for Polish qualification will be against one of these two teams.
Two-Stage Path to the World Cup
The playoff structure requires Poland to win two games—semifinal and final—to earn a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Preparation Schedule
The match dates, March 26 and March 31, give the coaching staff and players a clear timetable for the coming months.
With the calendar set, the squad can now plan training and tactics for the final chance to reach the world stage.