Poland secured their advancement to the next stage of the 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Belgium. The two-legged playoff ended in a 3-3 aggregate tie, pushing the contest into extra time and ultimately penalties, where Poland triumphed 4-3.
The decisive second leg, held at the Polsat Plus Arena in Gdańsk, saw Barcelona forward Ewa Pajor spearhead the comeback for Poland. Pajor scored twice, including a critical late goal in the 116th minute during extra time that gave Poland the lead.
Penalty Shootout Determines Intense Playoff Outcome
Belgium entered the second match with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, but Poland quickly responded. Pajor opened the scoring in the 42nd minute with a well-placed finish from a corner kick. However, Belgium’s Amy Littel equalized shortly after halftime.
Poland regained the lead thanks to Paulina Tomasiak, who delivered a powerful long-range shot in the 67th minute. The tension escalated when Belgium’s Jarne Teulings leveled the score again in the 105th minute, pushing the contest into extra time.
It was Pajor who restored Poland’s advantage deep into extra time, but the outcome still hinged on the shootout. Polish goalkeeper Kinga Seweryn played a pivotal role, making crucial saves that ultimately secured Poland’s progression.
Looking ahead, Poland will face the Republic of Ireland in the subsequent playoff round. Both legs of this series are scheduled between late November and early December, with the winner earning a coveted spot at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.