Preview:Poland vs Finland - prediction, team news, lineups

At a crucial stage in a highly-competitive group, Poland and Finland clash at Stadion Slaski in Chorzow for a 2026 World Cup qualifier on Sunday night.

The White and Reds picked up a commendable result at the base of the Netherlands on Thursday, whilst Huuhkajat prepared for his weekend's match with a friendly contest.

Match preview

After a woeful 2024 schedule - one which ended in five straight defeats and subsequent relegation from the top tier of the UEFA Nations League - Poland's 2025 mission is simple: qualify for the World Cup and prove that they deserve to play alongside football's elite nations.

On that note, Thursday night's trip to Rotterdam was a good opportunity to test their credentials on the biggest stage, with the White and Reds securing a hard-fought point versus the Netherlands courtesy of a second-half equaliser from Aston Villa defender Matty Cash.

Reaching the halfway point of their qualification campaign in Group G, Poland are currently occupying second spot in the section, level on points with both Oranje in first and Sunday's visitors Finland in third, highlighting how competitive the top of the table is at this stage.

Despite Barcelona and Poland legend Robert Lewandowski providing world-class quality at the top end of the pitch, a forward from the Greek Super League is leading the way for the White and Reds in 2025, with Karol Swiderski of Panathinaikos scoring two goals in qualifying to date.

After picking up a respectable point in the Netherlands during his maiden match in charge on Thursday, Jan Urban will manage his nation for the first time on home soil this weekend, with Poland winning each of their last three matches on their own turf by an aggregate scoreline of 5-0.

Following a taste of major tournament football for the first time in their history at the delayed Euro 2020, Finland will be sensing 2025 could be the time to take the next leap in their journey and qualify for their first-ever World Cup next year.

Losing all six of their UEFA Nations League matches to England, Greece and Republic of Ireland in 2024, Huuhkajat appeared to be massive underdogs heading into this qualification campaign, although Sunday's visitors have made an excellent start in Group G.

Across their opening quartet of matches, Finland have only been defeated by section favourites and European powerhouses Netherlands, with Jacob Friis's troops sitting level on points with Oranje and this weekend's opponents Poland.

Whilst the rest of their group members competed for qualification points earlier in the week, Huuhkajat travelled to Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo on Thursday evening to face Scandinavian foes Norway, who picked up a 1-0 friendly win courtesy of Erling Haaland's first-half penalty.

With second place enough for a spot in the playoffs in March, Finland will be desperate to get one over Poland once again after their original meeting in June, when goals from veteran Joel Pohjanpalo and Benjamin Kallman secured three points.

Poland World Cup Qualifying - Europe form:

W W L W

Poland form (all competitions):

L W W W L D

Finland World Cup Qualifying - Europe form:

W D L W

Finland form (all competitions):

L W D L W L

Team News

Playing just 63 minutes of the draw in Rotterdam on Thursday night, Poland captain Lewandowski should be rested and ready to start once again this weekend.

The White and Reds are unlikely to change much following a promising performance during Urban's first match at the helm, meaning that Swiderski and Kamil Grosicki could be forced to sit on the bench from the off.

Finland are expected to name a side similar to the one which defeated Poland in June, with Rangers winger Oliver Antman set to start.

There is also an alumnus of the Gers in Huuhkajat's engine room, with Glen Kamara of Rennes a key midfield cog for his nation.

Scoring off the bench against Poland last time out, Hannover 96 attacker Kallman could be rewarded with a start in Chorzow.

Poland possible starting lineup:

Skorupski; Cash, Kedziora, Bednarek, Kiwior; Slisz, Zielinski, Kaminski, Szymanski, Zalewski; Lewandowski

Finland possible starting lineup:

Hradecky; Peltola, Koski, Uronen; Lod, Karinen, Kamara, Tenho, Antman; Kallman, Pohjanpalo

We say: Poland 2-1 Finland

Following a good point in the Netherlands on Thursday, Poland should be confident of going one step further and earning victory over Finland.

Huuhkajat have fared well so far in this qualification campaign, but we feel that Sunday could be the day that their World Cup dreams drift away slightly.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.