Poland's FIFA World Cup journey began with its first appearance in the World Cup 1938 in France. This marked the country's debut on the global football stage. In their first match, Poland faced Brazil in a thrilling encounter that ended in a 6-5 defeat after extra time, which remains one of the most memorable matches in FIFA World Cup history. Although they were eliminated in the first round, this appearance set the stage for Poland’s future successes in the tournament.
Poland’s best performances in the FIFA World Cup came in the 1970s and early 1980s. The team achieved their greatest success in 1974 in West Germany, where they finished third after defeating Brazil in the third-place match. This was a remarkable achievement for Poland, as they were one of the standout teams of the tournament, showcasing a blend of tactical discipline and attacking flair. Poland repeated this success in 1982 in Spain, once again finishing third after a victory over France in the third-place playoff. These performances cemented Poland’s reputation as a formidable force in world football during that era.
Some of the best players in Poland’s FIFA World Cup history include Grzegorz Lato, who was the top scorer in the 1974 Football World Cup with seven goals, and Zbigniew Boniek, who played a crucial role in Poland’s 1982 campaign. Both players are regarded as legends in Polish football, with Lato’s goal-scoring prowess and Boniek’s leadership and creativity making them standout figures in the country's FIFA World Cup history.
Kazimierz Górski is often regarded as Poland’s best coach, having led the team to their third-place finish in 1974. His tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his players were key to Poland’s success during that period. Górski's legacy in Polish football is unmatched, and he is widely respected as one of the greatest coaches in the country's history.
Grzegorz Lato is also Poland's all-time top goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history, with ten goals across the 1974 and 1982 tournaments. His goal-scoring exploits were instrumental in Poland’s deep runs in both tournaments, and he remains one of the most celebrated players in the nation's football history. Poland has not yet won a FIFA World Cup. Despite their strong performances in the 1970s and 1980s, the team has not managed to reach the final or lift the trophy. Their Football World Cup successes are highlighted by their two third-place finishes in 1974 and 1982.
In the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, Poland was placed in Group C alongside Argentina, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia. The team performed well enough to advance to the Round of 16, finishing second in their group after a win against Saudi Arabia, a draw with Mexico, and a loss to Argentina. In the Round of 16, Poland faced France and was defeated 3-1, thus ending their campaign. Despite the early exit, Robert Lewandowski scored two goals in the tournament, including his first-ever World Cup goal, adding to his illustrious career.
Looking ahead to the FIFA 2026 World Cup, Poland will aim to build on their recent performances and make a deeper run in the tournament. With key players like Robert Lewandowski still contributing at a high level, and emerging talents coming through, Poland will hope to replicate or even surpass the successes of the past. The tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, presents an opportunity for Poland to once again showcase their footballing prowess on the world stage.