Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free
Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter
Wales and Poland face off in a crucial encounter this evening which will determine which of the two nations plays a part in Euro 2024 this year.
The teams are one game away from a place at the tournament and meet in a qualifying play-off final at Cardiff City Stadium where Wales should be the favourites to triumph. They have home advantage and although lacking the star power of a Robert Lewandowski, who is sure to line-up for Poland, they should have enough ability to reach a third successive European Championship in front of the Red Wall.
Both sides cruised through their play-off semi-finals with Wales beating Finland 4-1 and Poland demolishing Estonia 5-1. Yet, Poland are no pushovers though they are vulnerable. The visitors tend not to travel well but have good memories of facing Wales with their 1-0 win at this stadium in September 2022 one of only two victories away from home since October 2020.
The winner of the tie in Cardiff will advance to this summer’s tournament and join the Netherlands, Austria and France in Group D.
Follow all the action below plus get the latest odds and tips for the match right here:
Wales vs Poland team news and predicted line-ups
Wales are not thought to have any fresh fitness concerns after their convincing win over Finland, and could well stick with a similar side. Aaron Ramsey is unlikely to be promoted to the starting side after a recent return from injury.
Conversely, Poland saw both Przemyslaw Frankowski and Matty Cash go off with injuries during their victory against Estonia. Cash has been ruled out of the play-off final and Bartosz Bereszynski may be forced to deputise on the right flank.
Wales XI: Ward; Davies, Mepham, Rodon; Roberts, Ampadu, J. James, Williams; Brooks, Wilson; Johnson.
Poland XI: Szczesny; Kiwior, Bednarek, Dawidowicz; Bereszynski, Zielinski, Slisz, Piotrowski, Zalewski; Swiderski, Lewandowski.
Mike Jones26 March 2024 15:36
How to watch Wales vs Poland
Wales vs Poland is due to kick off at 7.45pm GMT on Tuesday 26 March at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Viaplay Sports 2, with coverage from 7.35pm GMT, or via Welsh-language channel S4C from 7.20pm. A livestream will be available on the Viaplay Sports website and on the BBC iPlayer.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Mike Jones26 March 2024 15:24
Good evening!
Welcome one and all to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Euro 2024 qualifier final as Wales look to take the last step on thei journey to this summer’s European Championship tournament.
Having come through the semi-finals with a convincing 4-1 victory over Finland, Rob Page’s men now face the difficult task of defeating Poland in this play-off final.
They are boosted by having home advantage and the Red Wall of Welsh fans will bring an electric atmosphere to the Cardiff City Stadium which should spur on the home side.
This is an all or nothing encounter. Win and there is a place at the Euros waiting, lose and Wales will be out of the tournament before it even begins.
There’s pressure on manager Rob Page who’s team are expected to triumph this evening. Anything less and the boss will potentially lose his job. Can Wales perform in this crucial match with the spotlight on them and reach Euro 2024?
We’ll have all the updates, team news and line-ups throughout the evening so stick around as we build up to kick off at 7.45pm.
Mike Jones26 March 2024 14:48
