Patryk Stachowiak
Poland are one game away from the World Cup, but the final step looks brutal.
A trip to Solna is rarely comfortable, and history makes that even clearer. The Eagles have not won in Sweden for 76 years, losing on each of their last three visits. Now they head north again, with a place at the 2026 World Cup on the line and a Sweden side boosted by Viktor Gyokeres’ semi-final heroics waiting for them.
So how will Jan Urban set his side up for the biggest match of his coaching career?
Poland predicted lineup vs Sweden (3-4-2-1)
Grabara; Kedziora, Bednarek, Kiwior;
Cash, Zielinski, Szymanski, Zalewski;
Kaminski, Pietuszewski;
Lewandowski.
Urban could tweak a few details, but the overall shape should remain the same. Poland’s 3-4-2-1 gives them flexibility in possession and enough protection against Sweden’s direct transitions.
Why this shape makes sense
Poland have looked sharper and more cohesive under Urban, and the system is a big reason why.
The back three gives them defensive stability, with Jakub Kiwior expected to marshal the line alongside Jan Bednarek and Tomasz Kedziora. Against a Sweden side that wants to attack quickly and find Gyokeres early, that extra centre-back could be crucial.
Out wide, Matty Cash and Nicola Zalewski are likely to be key. Cash brings running power and balance on the right, while Zalewski offers far more attacking thrust on the left. His return from suspension is a major boost, especially in a match where Poland may need better quality in the final third.
In midfield, Urban faces an interesting choice. He could go bold again by asking Piotr Zielinski and Sebastian Szymanski to operate deeper, using their technical quality to control the tempo and break Sweden’s press. It is an aggressive approach, but one that suits a team trying to get the ball into dangerous areas quickly.
Robert Lewandowski remains the difference-maker
At this stage, it barely needs saying.
Robert Lewandowski is still Poland’s reference point, leader and biggest match-winner. He scored again in the semi-final victory over Albania, and he remains the man Sweden will fear most.
This could be his third and final World Cup if Poland make it, which only adds to the sense of occasion.
His movement inside the box, ability to pin defenders and composure in decisive moments still make him the defining figure in this tie. If Poland are to silence Solna, there is every chance Lewandowski will be at the centre of it.
Support cast: youth meets experience
Poland are not relying solely on their captain.
Zielinski remains hugely influential and knows exactly what this fixture demands, having scored in Poland’s 2022 playoff win over Sweden. Szymanski adds intelligence between the lines, while younger options are beginning to emerge.
Oskar Pietuszewski, still only 17, is generating serious excitement and could retain his place after contributing to the comeback against Albania. Jakub Kaminski offers width and running power, while Urban also has options like Filip Rozga if he wants a different attacking profile.
The selection tells its own story: Poland are trying to qualify now, but they are also beginning to build the next cycle around a younger core.
Team news and injuries
Poland are not at full strength.
Adam Buksa, Bartosz Kapustka and Lukasz Skorupski are all unavailable through injury, limiting Urban’s options in both attack and depth areas.
Still, Zalewski’s return softens the blow. His energy and attacking instinct from the flank could be one of the biggest factors in this game, particularly if Poland want to stretch Sweden and stop them from settling into a compact defensive shape.
What Poland must do to win
Urban has already admitted this will require a different approach than the semi-final against Albania.
He is right.
Sweden are more direct, more physical and more dangerous in transition, especially with Gyokeres in this kind of form. Poland cannot afford to lose structure in midfield or leave their back line exposed to runs in behind.
That makes the role of the wing-backs vital. Cash and Zalewski must provide width without leaving too much space behind them. At the same time, Poland need Zielinski and Szymanski to manage possession smartly and avoid turning this into a stretched, end-to-end contest.
If Poland can slow the game down, dictate territory and feed Lewandowski in the right areas, they give themselves a strong chance.
The tactical battle to watch
This final may come down to one central question:
Can Poland’s control beat Sweden’s directness?
Sweden showed against Ukraine that they do not need much possession to hurt opponents. They are comfortable sitting off, absorbing pressure and then striking quickly through Gyokeres and Elanga.
Poland, by contrast, look at their best when they can combine patience with purposeful forward play. If they force Sweden into long spells without the ball and stop the hosts from launching quick breaks, they tilt the match in their favour.
But if this becomes open, frantic and transition-heavy, Sweden may feel much more comfortable.
Final verdict
Poland head into this final with confidence, momentum and a coach who has quickly restored unity. They are unbeaten in seven under Jan Urban, and there is growing belief that this group can reach a third straight World Cup.
Still, this is a dangerous trip against a home side that suddenly looks alive under Graham Potter.
Poland’s predicted XI has enough balance, enough experience and enough attacking quality to get the job done. But as always in matches of this size, the margins will be tiny.
And when the margins are tiny, teams look to their biggest player.
For Poland, that still means one man: Robert Lewandowski.