Poland began their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a much-needed victory over Lithuania, ending a five-match winless streak. That result will serve as a significant confidence boost as they prepare to host Malta at the National Stadium in Warsaw for their second fixture.
Malta, meanwhile, had a disappointing start, despite a strong performance against Finland. They controlled possession and created opportunities but were unable to capitalize, while Finland took the lead in the 38th minute and held on for the win. Now, Malta will be looking to recover from that setback and secure their first points of the campaign against a Poland side still working to find consistency.
Poland put on a strong performance against Malta, with Karol Świderski stealing the spotlight. He scored twice, both goals demonstrating his sharp finishing ability and reinforcing his growing role in the national team. Malta’s chances took another hit late in the match when Ilyas Chouaref was shown a red card in injury time, making an already difficult task even tougher. Despite their determination, Malta struggled to break through Poland’s well-organized defense.
With this victory, Poland has firmly established itself as an early frontrunner in Group G. They now sit at the top of the table with six points from two matches, though the Netherlands have yet to play. After the match, Coach Czesław Michniewicz expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance but emphasized the need for continued focus and effort as the qualification campaign progresses.
One concern for Poland was the injury to captain Jan Bednarek. He was an important presence early in the match but had to be substituted at halftime after suffering a bloody nose. Given his previous concussion, there will be some worry about his condition. His absence also highlighted Poland’s reliance on key players, though the team’s depth allowed them to manage the situation effectively.
Looking ahead, Poland’s strong start will give them confidence as they continue their qualification journey. The challenge now will be maintaining this momentum and building on their early success. For Malta, the focus will be on regrouping and finding a way to improve in the matches to come.
