Poland Secures 2-0 Victory Over Lithuania in World Cup Qualifier

Poland Triumphs in Kaunas

Poland secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Lithuania in a Group G World Cup qualifier match held on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The encounter took place at the S. Darius and S. Girėnas Stadium in Kaunas, Lithuania, as part of the qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Decisive Goals from Szymański and Lewandowski

The scoring opened in the 15th minute when Sebastian Szymański delivered an extraordinary goal directly from a corner kick, beating Lithuanian goalkeeper Tomas Švedkauskas. Szymański then turned provider in the 64th minute, assisting captain Robert Lewandowski, who headed home to double Poland's lead. This marked Lewandowski's 87th goal in 161 matches for the national team. Despite a relatively subdued first half, Poland asserted greater control after the break, methodically nullifying Lithuanian attacks and limiting their opportunities.

Qualification Hopes Strengthened

The win significantly bolstered Poland's position in Group G, moving them to 13 points from six games and solidifying their hold on second place. They now trail group leaders the Netherlands, who have 16 points. For Lithuania, the defeat leaves them in fourth place in the group with just three points, having struggled to gain momentum throughout the campaign. The result puts Poland on the brink of securing a playoff spot for the 2026 tournament.

Match Context and Notable Attendees

The match was not only significant for its sporting implications but also for its distinguished attendees. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his Lithuanian counterpart, Inga Ruginienė, were present in the stands, observing the contest. Poland's coach, Jan Urban, saw his side control possession and comfortably manage the game, despite lacking some fluency in attack. The victory was a vital step for Poland in their quest for World Cup qualification, with the team aiming to maintain their strong position in the remaining fixtures.