Netherlands Edge Closer to World Cup After Hard-Fought Draw in Warsaw
What a night it turned out to be in Warsaw, where Poland and the Netherlands battled to a tense 1-1 draw that felt every bit like a high-stakes World Cup qualifier. As the final whistle blew, it became clear that this result had pushed the Netherlands right to the doorstep of the 2026 World Cup, while Poland were left holding on to their guaranteed play-off spot, hoping for a late twist in the group.
The match began with a lively tempo, the crowd of more than 56,000 roaring with every forward surge. Poland, playing at the Stadion Narodowy, definitely fed off that energy. Their big moment came just before halftime. Robert Lewandowski, who seemed to drift into pockets of space all evening, slid a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Jakub Kamiński. With composure that belied the pressure, Kamiński slipped the ball through the legs of Bart Verbruggen. The stadium erupted, and Poland carried a 1–0 lead into the break.
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But the Netherlands were never going to fade quietly. Ronald Koeman’s side came out of the tunnel looking sharper, and the equalizer arrived almost immediately in the 47th minute. Donyell Malen’s header forced a save, but the rebound fell kindly to Memphis Depay—who has made a living out of moments like this. With a simple touch, he tucked the ball away, notching his 55th goal for the national team. It was also his eighth strike of this qualifying campaign, putting him second only to Erling Haaland.
The rest of the match swung back and forth, but neither side could find the winner. Poland pushed with intensity, creating chances and testing the Dutch defence, but Koeman’s players stayed disciplined. The Netherlands, who dominated possession with almost 60% of the ball, remained patient and controlled, showing exactly why they sit at the top of Group G.
As things stand, all the Netherlands need now is a single point against Lithuania on Monday to officially secure their World Cup ticket. Even a loss might not derail them—Poland would have to not only beat Malta but overturn a goal-difference gap of thirteen. That’s the kind of mountain no team expects to climb in one night.
For Poland, the draw still keeps their hopes alive, but the road ahead is narrower. They’ve clinched at least a play-off spot, but missing out on automatic qualification will sting, especially after holding a lead in this crucial match.
In the end, the story of the night was simple: Poland fought hard, the Netherlands stayed steady, and Memphis Depay once again delivered when it mattered most. The group isn’t officially settled yet, but the path to the World Cup is clearer than ever for Koeman’s men.
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