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.

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.

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,

Poland's national football team drew 1-1 with the Netherlands in its penultimate 2026 World Cup qualifier in Warsaw on Friday, securing a place in the playoffs for next year's tournament in North America.

Wales finished their group schedule with an eye-catching 7-1 victory over North Macedonia on Tuesday night in what was a must-win fixture for the Welsh to secure a place in Pot 2 for the playoff draw, and thus guaranteeing a home semi-final. Harry Wilson, who was captain on the night, scored a hat-trick in the thumping of North Macedonia.

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

Poland face Malta in a decisive matchup in the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, where they need specific results to secure their place in the sport’s biggest competition.