In an electrifying opening match of the World Cup 2026 qualifications, Poland edged out Lithuania 1-0 on March 21, 2025, at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw.
The match, keenly anticipated as the start of the Polish team’s campaign, saw captain Robert Lewandowski scoring the solitary goal in the 81st minute following a crucial deflection, initiated by a collective play from Jakub Kamiński and Mateusz Bogusz. The play was subjected to a VAR check, but the referee, Greek Anastassios Sidiropoulos, confirmed the goal.
After a goalless first half that left fans yearning for action, Poland ramped up their efforts in the second half. Just a minute before Lewandowski's breakthrough, Jan Bednarek had a promising header attempt after a cross from Przemysław Frankowski, only for the Lithuanian goalkeeper, Andrius Gertmonas, to make a confident save.
Poland's coach, Michał Probierz, faced an uphill task to motivate his side, who were underperforming, particularly noted for their chaotic play during the first half. The absence of key players, Piotr Zieliński and Nicola Zalewski, due to injuries, compounded the concerns surrounding the team’s performance despite their win against a team that was relegated to the lowest division in UEFA's rankings.
Throughout the match, Poland was proactive in their offensive strategies but often bogged down by Lithuania’s resilient defense. Kaminski’s individual effort in the 79th minute threatened to yield a goal, but again Lithuania remained resolute. The Polish side saw numerous shots, with star players like Lewandowski and Krzysztof Piątek giving it their all, but many efforts went wide or were contained by the Lithuanian defense, which was primarily dependent on set-piece tactics to create chances.
Poland's defense was a cause for concern with a lack of clean sheets in previous fixtures, and they had much to prove post-relegation struggles in the UEFA Nations League. Early in the match, goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski showcased his coverage skills, making a phenomenal save against a strike by Matulevicius in the 71st minute, ensuring that Lithuania’s attacking attempts were thwarted.
Ultimately, the match served not only as the beginning of the qualifying rounds for the World Cup but also as a chance for Poland to clear their previous poor record from Euro 2024, where they finished last in their group without a victory. "We need to utilize our experience from last year’s Nations League games and focus on maintaining possession and quickly regaining control of the ball to score goals," Probierz emphasized after the match.
For Poland, this victory marks a significant start as they aim to secure one of the coveted top spots in Group G, where they will face Malta next on March 24, 2025. With the hopes of fans riding high, the Polish players are prepared to improve their game, as robust opposition lies ahead against the likes of Finland and either the Netherlands or Spain, depending on the outcome of a League of Nations quarter-final.
Lewandowski, previously underwhelming in international fixtures under Probierz with only three goals to his name before this match, hopes that this victory could reignite his goal scoring in national colors, especially as he is the face of Polish football.
As fans filled the stadium, anxiously awaiting the start of this new chapter in Polish football history, the ambiance reflected determination and resilience while the players responded to the call by delivering the much-needed win. This fixture was not just a match but an emotionally charged moment for a national team looking to clear its recent turmoil and start fresh.
The game concluded with a slight sigh of relief for the Polish contingent, who know the road ahead demands more consistency and solid performances to ensure their place in the upcoming World Cup. With the match now behind them, Poland’s path forward in the qualifiers appears both promising yet challenging.
