Poland kept their FIFA World Cup dream alive with a spirited 2-1 comeback victory over Albania in the Path B play-off semi-final. On a tense night filled with momentum swings, it was Robert Lewandowski who once again proved decisive, inspiring his side to turn the game around when it mattered most.

The hosts endured a difficult first half and found themselves trailing just before the break. A costly defensive lapse allowed Nedim Bajrami’s teammate Sokol Cikalleshi—though it was Hoxha who ultimately capitalised—to punish Poland, finishing clinically to give Albania a surprise lead and silence the home crowd.

After the interval, the response from Poland was immediate and relentless. Driven by urgency and backed by a passionate crowd, they pushed forward with intensity, pinning Albania deep in their own half.

The equaliser came from a set-piece — a moment of classic efficiency. Sebastian Szymanski delivered a pinpoint corner to the far post, where Robert Lewandowski rose above everyone to power home a trademark header, restoring parity and belief.

With momentum fully on their side, Poland continued to press, and the winning goal was nothing short of spectacular. Once again, Szymanski was at the heart of it, providing the assist for Piotr Zielinski, who unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner — a goal worthy of deciding such a high-stakes encounter.

Despite a brave and well-organised performance from Albania, guided by Sylvinho, their historic bid to reach a first-ever FIFA World Cup came to an end.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Qualifiers

Poland - Albania 2:1 (0:1)
Goals: Hoxha Ar., 42 (0:1); Lewandowski, 63 (1:1); Zielinski P., 73 (2:1)

Poland: Grabara; Kędziora (Świderski, 62); Bednarek; Kiwior; Cash; Zielinski P. (Moder, 81); Kaminski J. (Pyrka, 90); Rózga (Pietuszewski, 46); Szymanski S.; Skóraś; Lewandowski (Slisz, 90)
Substitution: Pietuszewski (from 46); Świderski (from 62); Moder (from 81); Pyrka (from 90); Slisz (from 90)
Bench: Kochalski; Drągowski; Wiśniewski; Ziolkowski; Bereszynski; Grosicki; Piątek K.
Yellow Cards: Lewandowski 87; Świderski 90

Albania: Strakosha; Mitaj; Hysaj; Ajeti Ar. (Ismajli, 18); Djimsiti; Shehu; Asllani K.; Bajrami N. (Broja A., 68); Laci (Muci E., 82); Hoxha Ar. (Pilios, 68); Uzuni
Substitution: Ismajli (from 18); Pilios (from 68); Broja A. (from 68); Muci E. (from 82)
Bench: Kastrati E.; Dajsinani; Balliu; Aliji; Pllana; Pajaziti; Mehmeti An.; Ramadani
Yellow Cards: Mitaj 34; Hysaj 79; Asllani K. 88