Poland host Romania in crucial UEFA Nations League clash in Warsaw
Poland host Romania in Warsaw in a UEFA Nations League B group match that carries high stakes for both sides — Romania sit bottom of the group after two defeats, while Poland are looking to recover from an unconvincing start.
Match context
Poland and Romania meet at the National Stadium in Warsaw on Friday, October 2, 2026, in round three of UEFA Nations League B, Group 4. Sources disagree on the kick-off time — OneFootball lists 19:45 UK time, while Goal.com states 2:45 p.m.
The fixture matters for both teams' standing. After two rounds, Poland sit third in the group with one point, while Romania are bottom with no points, trailing both Sweden and Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to Goal.com.
Form
Poland opened their campaign with a goalless home draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, then lost 1-3 away to Sweden. Sports Mole notes that head coach Jan Urban has won only five of his 12 matches in charge, and Poland have gone five games without a win.
Romania's start has been worse — a 1-2 away defeat to Sweden was followed by a 2-4 home loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Goal.com reports Romania have conceded nine goals in their two Nations League matches so far, though they did score seven goals in a single earlier qualifying game against San Marino.
Team news
Sources differ on Robert Lewandowski's status. OneFootball suggests the striker may start on the bench again, having come on only in the 87th minute against Sweden. However, Goal.com and Sports Mole both indicate he could return to the starting line-up through the centre of attack. Romania, according to OneFootball, have no injury concerns.
Head-to-head
The two sides last met on June 10, 2017, in World Cup qualifying, when Poland won 3-1 at home. Before that, Poland won 3-0 away in Romania on November 11, 2016. According to Goal.com, across the five meetings on record, Poland hold three wins to Romania's two, with no draws.
Match statistics
According to BBC match data, Poland dominated possession with 70.3% to Romania's 29.7% and had seven shots, level with Romania's tally, though Romania had more shots on target — three compared to Poland's two. Poland completed 294 passes to Romania's 128, while Romania committed eight fouls against Poland's four.
