Poland is through to the second round of Europe’s 2027 Women’s World Cup play-offs after beating Belgium 4–3 on penalties in Gdańsk. Ewa Pajor scored twice in a 3–2 second-leg win after extra time, bringing the aggregate score to 3–3. Poland has not yet qualified for the tournament in Brazil.
How Poland turned the tie around
Belgium arrived with a 1–0 lead from the first leg. Pajor’s first-half header erased it, but Belgium equalised after the break. Paulina Tomasiak restored Poland’s lead, only for Belgium to score in extra time and move ahead in the tie again.
Pajor answered in the 116th minute to force a shootout. Goalkeeper Kinga Seweryn made two saves, and Poland won the penalties 4–3. The comeback kept alive Poland’s bid for a first Women’s World Cup appearance.
What comes next?
Poland will face the Republic of Ireland over two legs in UEFA’s second play-off round, scheduled within the 26 November to 5 December window; individual match dates were still to be confirmed in UEFA’s round-one report. Poland hosts the first leg.
Winning that tie would not automatically settle Poland’s destination. UEFA says the seven highest-ranked second-round winners qualify directly for Brazil 2027; the remaining winner enters the inter-confederation play-offs. Poland’s next result and that ranking rule will determine its route.