Poland Faces Albania in World Cup Playoff. Showdown at the National Stadium

The Evening All of Poland is Waiting For

On Thursday, March 26th at 8:45 PM CEST, the Polish national team will host Albania at the PGE National Stadium named after Kazimierz Górski in Warsaw in the semi-final of the European playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The winner of this match will face the winner of the Ukraine vs. Sweden match on March 31st in the playoff final. For the White and Reds, this is the last chance to play in the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Urban Instead of Probierz — New Coach, New Energy

Jan Urban will be on the sidelines, having replaced Michał Probierz after an unsuccessful end to the group stage of the qualifiers. Under the new coach, Poland has recorded an impressive run — six matches without a defeat (four wins, two draws), including both against the Netherlands, the leader of the qualifying group. Urban admitted that the squad for Albania is almost ready, although two positions still give him positive doubts.

Robert Lewandowski will be in the squad. For the 37-year-old FC Barcelona striker, this World Cup may be the last in his career — an extra motivation to lead the team to victory. In midfield, Piotr Zieliński from Inter Milan and Sebastian Szymański from Rennes will play a key role. Łukasz Skorupski (injury) and Nicola Zalewski (suspension for cards) will be absent.

Albania — An Opponent Not to Be Underestimated

The team led by Brazilian coach Sylvinho is one of the biggest positive surprises of the European qualifiers. Albania finished second in the group behind England and has lost only twice in the last ten matches — both times to the English. Captain Berat Djimsiti from Atalanta emphasized that his team treats this match as special but intends to approach it with a cool head.

Albania will arrive in Warsaw weakened — Rey Manaj, the author of three goals in the qualifiers, who suffered a hamstring injury, will be absent. In attack, Sylvinho will probably rely on Armando Broja, supported by Kristjan Asllani and former Legia Warsaw player Ernest Muçi.

History on the Side of the Hosts

Statistics speak decisively in favor of Poland — the White and Reds have won five consecutive home matches against Albania, keeping a clean sheet in four of them. Bookmakers also favor the Poles — the odds for the hosts' victory are 1.70, while Albania's victory is valued at 5.75. However, ESPN expert Mark Ogden warns that Albania under Sylvinho is "one of the most underrated teams in Europe" and expects an extremely even match.

Where to Watch and What's Next?

The match will be officiated by English referee Anthony Taylor. The broadcast will be available for free on TVP 1 and TVP Sport, as well as online at tvpsport.pl and in the mobile application. Tickets for the National Stadium sold out quickly — Warsaw awaits an evening full of emotions.

If Poland wins, they will face the playoff final away on Monday, March 31st. The stakes could not be higher — qualification for the first World Cup since 2022.