The Netherlands draw with Poland to move within one point of the 2026 FIFA World Cup berth

The Netherlands maintained its three-point lead over Poland in the 2026 World Cup qualifying group as both sides drew 1-1 on Friday, moving the Netherlands one point away from qualification.

Jakub Kaminski gave Poland a half-time lead as the country needed a win to keep alive their slim hopes of beating Group G and automatically qualifying for next year’s finals in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Memphis Depay responded shortly after half-time for the visitor at Stadion Narodowy to ensure the Netherlands moved to 17 points, while Poland finished second in the group standings with 14.

The Netherlands only needs a draw against bottom-placed Lithuania in its last match in Amsterdam on Monday to book its World Cup place.

Poland put in an attacking display in their bid for victory that would have boosted their hopes of going top of the group and should have been ahead inside two minutes when flying full-back Matty Cash found Nicola Zalewski with the goal gaping in front of him but he missed from close range.

The Dutch then controlled possession for much of the first half, diluting Poland’s ambitions but without making inroads themselves.

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But the ball was caught two minutes before half-time when Robert Lewandowski played a brilliant pass from the center circle to set Kaminski free, and the striker finished with only Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to beat.

Two minutes after the break, however, the group leader was on level terms. Polish goalkeeper Kamil Grabara misjudged Cody Gakpo’s cross and was unable to touch the ball as it sailed over his head, giving Donyell Malen the opportunity for a diving header, which the keeper did well to stop, before Depay scored the rebound.

It was the eighth goal of the qualifying campaign for the Dutch record goalscorer, whose total for his country now stands at 55 in 107 caps.

Both teams were unable to create any clear chances after that, despite bringing in new legs, although the match was played at a high pace until the end.

With Finland suffering a surprise defeat to Malta earlier on Friday, the Netherlands and Poland are guaranteed to finish in the top two of the group.

Poland can now only win the group with a goal flood in Malta if the Netherlands loses to Lithuania at the same time.

The number two in the group will advance to the European play-off in March.

Published on November 15, 2025