A third consecutive win here would see Poland tighten their grip at the top and build momentum heading into the second half of group stage.
Finland and Poland will meet in a crucial Group G World Cup 2026 qualifier on Tuesday night in Helsinki, with top spot on the line. Currently sitting second in the group standings, Finland will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands over the weekend. That result halted their unbeaten start, which included a win and a draw in their previous two outings.
Meanwhile, group leaders Poland have made a perfect start to their qualifying campaign with back-to-back victories and no goals conceded. A third consecutive win here would see them tighten their grip at the top and build momentum heading into the second half of the group stage.
With both nations vying for qualification to the World Cup 2026, this matchup could prove decisive in Group G. Finland will count on their home support to help them turn things around, but Poland’s form and defensive solidity could be the difference in what promises to be a closely contested affair.
Following their 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands, Finland are expected to make a few changes to their starting XI for Tuesday’s clash with Poland. Head coach Jacob Friis is likely to revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation in a bid to inject more stability and creativity into the side. Glen Kamara and Fredrik Jensen are both pushing for starts after coming off the bench last time out.
In goal, captain Lukas Hradecky is a guaranteed starter after making his 100th international appearance over the weekend and delivering a solid performance despite the loss. Up front, former Norwich City striker Teemu Pukki remains part of the squad but may again be named among the substitutes, with in-form Palermo striker Joel Pohjanpalo expected to lead the line.
Hradecky; Alho, Tenho, Ivanov, Uronen; Kamara, Kairinen; Lod, Jensen, Antman; Pohjanpalo
Poland will be without talismanic striker Robert Lewandowski once again, following his public declaration that he will not represent the national team under current head coach Michal Probierz. With veteran winger Kamil Grosicki having now retired from international duty after the Moldova game, Swiderski is expected to take on greater attacking responsibility.
Poland are expected to stick with their 3-5-2 formation, with Matty Cash and Nicola Zalewski continuing as wing-backs. However, a fresh injury concern has emerged for Poland as new captain Piotr Zielinski was forced to leave training with calf discomfort . As a result, he is now doubtful for Tuesday’s fixture. The Inter Milan midfielder was due to earn his 100th international cap but that milestone may now be delayed until September.
Skorupski; Wieteska, Bednarek, Kiwior; Cash, Moder, Zielinski, Szymanski, Zalewski; Swiderski, Piatek
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