Poland vs Albania
PGE Narodowy
A. Taylor
2026
Match Report
Poland came from behind to beat Albania 2-1 in Warsaw and book their place in the World Cup playoff final. A nervy Stadion Narodowy was stunned when Arbër Hoxha fired the visitors ahead in the 42nd minute, silencing the home crowd heading into half-time.
Poland regrouped after the break and found their answer through their talisman. Robert Lewandowski rose highest at the back post to power home a header from a corner in the 63rd minute, levelling the tie and swinging momentum firmly in the hosts' favour.
Ten minutes later, Piotr Zieliński completed the turnaround with a thunderous strike from outside the box in the 73rd minute, sending Warsaw into raptures. Albania pushed late but could find no way back.
The result sends Poland through to the playoff final, keeping their World Cup 2026 dream alive. For Albania, a brave first-half display ultimately counted for nothing as their campaign comes to a painful end.
Match Events
18'
34'
M. Mitaj(Holding)
42'
46'
62'
63'
68'
73'
79'
E. Hysaj(Foul)
81'
87'
R. Lewandowski(Unsportsmanlike conduct)
88'
K. Asllani(Foul)
90+1'
90+2'
90+4'
K. Swiderski(Delay of game)
18'
34'
M. Mitaj(Holding)
42'
63'
68'
73'
79'
E. Hysaj(Foul)
81'
(Unsportsmanlike conduct)R. Lewandowski
87'
88'
K. Asllani(Foul)
90+1'
90+2'
(Delay of game)K. Swiderski
90+4'
Statistics
50%Possession50%
15Shots8
4Shots on Target2
6Corners2
20Fouls12
2Offsides0
2Yellow Cards3
470Passes492
1Saves1
Head to Head
10
Poland wins
2
Draws
1
Albania wins
Goals: 20 - 8
