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Poland and Ukraine, both absent from the 2026 World Cup, draw swords in an international friendly at the Tarczynski Arena.
The hosts missed out on World Cup qualification for the first time since 2014, while the visitors have not qualified for the finals since 2006. Sweden knocked both teams out in the play-offs.
The European neighbours now kick off their preparations for the UEFA Nations League in Wroclaw.
View our Poland vs Ukraine preview, prediction and betting tips with the latest odds. Into the bargain, don’t forget to check out more expect prediction on our football betting tips page.
Poland vs Ukraine key stats
- Poland have lost only two of their last 10 games across friendlies and qualifiers.
- Ukraine have alternated between wins and losses in their last five matches.
- Each of their last three meetings have been won by Poland.
Poland vs Ukraine preview: Eagles to soar high in Wroclaw
Poland vs Ukraine — Squad Comparison
| Poland | vs | Ukraine |
|---|---|---|
| 35th | FIFA Ranking | 32rd |
| Robert Lewandowski (165) | Most Caps | Andriy Yarmolenko (125) |
| Robert Lewandowski (89) | Most Goals | Andriy Yarmolenko (46) |
| 690 | Total Caps | 744 |
| 143 | Total Goals | 115 |
| 2 | Uncapped Players | 0 |
*Figures accurate at the time of publishing.
In the race for World Cup qualification, Poland lost only their first match in Group G, before going unbeaten in seven. However, the Netherlands won the group undefeated, taking the automatic qualification spot and leaving the Poles fighting in the play-offs.
They were then dealt a deathly blow, as Sweden eliminated them 3-2 in the final round. Poland will not play at the showdown tournament for the first time since 2014.
Jan Urban now has two friendlies to prepare his side ahead of the UEFA Nations League in September. They face Nigeria next.
Poland have no major injuries at hand, and should be able to field a full-strength starting XI.
Meanwhile, Ukraine miss the services of Yohor Yarmolyuk through a muscle injury.
Ranked 32 in the world, three places better than Poland, Ukraine also miss the World Cup thanks to Sweden. Before knocking Poland out, Sweden zoomed to a 3-1 victory in the first play-off round, denying Ukraine a first World Cup appearance since 2006.
Most recently, the Blue and Yellow beat Albania 1-0 in a friendly in late March.
They then went on to relieve long-time coach Serhiy Rebrov from his duties, before appointing former assistant coach to Andriy Shevchenko, Andrea Maldera as the head coach.
Poland vs Ukraine form guide & betting tips
| Poland | vs | Ukraine |
|---|---|---|
WDWWL |
Form (All Comps) | WLWLW |
| 10 | Goals For | 6 |
| 7 | Goals Against | 8 |
WWWWW |
International Friendly Form | LWLWW |
Whispers Predicts: Poland 3-2 Ukraine
At 4/5, Both teams to score – Yes carries value, with Seven of Poland’s last nine games seeing both sides finding the net. Four of Ukraine’s last seven games also saw both sides score.
Eight of Ukraine’s last ten away games produced over 2.5 total goals, while each of Poland’s last three games also went over the mark. Backing Over 2.5 total goals at 19/20 offers valuable returns.
Poland to win at 1/1 makes sense, given each of their last three head-to-heads have been won by the Eagles. Ukraine’s last H2H win dates back to October 2013.
Both sides will be itching to get back to form after their recent disappointments at the hands of Sweden. A slow start is expected, before both Poland nick it late. HT/FT – Draw/Poland at 15/4 is worth looking out for.
> Over 2.5 total goals at 19/20 (1/95) | Likelihood: Probable
> Both teams to score – Yes 4/5 (1.80) | Likelihood: Very Likely
> Poland to win at 1/1 (2.00) | Likelihood: Likely
> Draw/Poland at 15/4 (4.75) | Likelihood: Possible