Poland qualified for the 2022 World Cup, their 9th appearance at the tournament. Their best result is finishing third in 1974 and 1982.

At their début in 1938, the Poles were also eliminated early on, after a remarkable 6-5 loss to Brazil in which Ernst Wilimowski scored four times. Poland enjoyed far greater success in 1974, finishing in third place after a win against Brazil in Germany with a goal by Lato.

In 1982, the Polish team matched their 1974 performance - in the semi-finals they came up against the in-form Italians, who clinched a spirited 2-0 victory. Poland went on to defeat France 3-2 and claim third place overall.

1938

Poland didn't progress from the first round of the 1938 FIFA World Cup.

1974

Poland finished second in Group B, but didn't make it to the final match of the competition. The team won 1-0 against Brazil in the third place match of the competition.

1978

Poland didn't make it out of Group B at the 1978 FIFA World Cup.

1982

Poland reached the semi final of the 1982 FIFA World Cup, but lost 0-2 to Italy. The team won 3-2 against France in the third place match of the competition.

1986

Poland reached the Round of 16 at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, but lost 0-4 to Brazil.

2002

Poland didn't make it out of Group D at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

2006

Poland didn't make it out of Group A at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

2018

Poland didn't make it out of Group H at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

2022

Poland reached the Round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but lost 1-3 to France.

2026

Poland didn't qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Trivia

  • The only player to score four goals in one match and still end up on the losing team was Poland's Ernst Willimowski against Brazil in 1938. Leonidas of Brazil also scored four goals in that match when his team won 6-5.