Poland's Piotr Zielinski struck late to earn a 3-2 victory away to Malta on Monday but it was not enough to claim top spot in their World Cup qualifying group and they had to settle for a place in the playoffs for next year's finals.

UEFA’s sizable representation at the 2026 World Cup means they’ll stage their own playoffs, as they did in 2022, while those who scraped out of their respective qualifying processes around the rest of the world will be involved in FIFA’s inter-confederation playoffs.

Despite their best effort and 3-2 win against Malta, Poland were unable to finish in first place of Group G in the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

REPUBLIC of Ireland will hit the road in March with Poland, Wales, Czechia or Slovakia waiting in a do-or-die World Cup qualifier. The Republic of Ireland now know exactly what stands between them

Piotr Zielinski struck late to earn Poland a 3-2 win away to Malta on Monday, securing the visitors a spot in next year's World Cup playoffs.Poland’s win at Ta'Qali's National Stadium lifted them to 17 points in Group G,

Jakub Kiwior was in the starting lineup and played the full 90 minutes in the match between Poland and Malta, which was part of the eighth and final round of European qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Ronald Koeman’s Dutch side will be without Burnley defender Quilindschy Hartman for their World Cup qualifier against Poland. The defender, who joined the Premier League side this summer, has

The Republic of Ireland will be away to one of Poland, Wales, the Czech Republic or Slovakia in a World Cup playoff semi-final next March. A 7-1 victory for Wales over North Macedonia in Cardiff confirmed Ireland will be in Pot 3 for Thursday’s playoff draw in Zurich.