Poland Faces Belgium in Women World Cup Playoff Return

Poland women national team hosted Belgium in the Women World Cup 2027 playoff return match at Polsat Plus Arena Gdansk on October 13, seeking to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit and continue its qualification campaign.

Belgium entered the match with a narrow advantage after winning the opening playoff meeting in Heverlee. According to Interia Sport, Elena Dhont scored in the 45+3rd minute to give Belgium the victory.

The first match included two penalties. According to Interia Sport, Belgium received a penalty in the 33rd minute, but Poland goalkeeper Kinga Szemik saved Tessa Wullaert's attempt.

Poland later earned a chance to equalize after the break when Ewa Pajor took a penalty in the 57th minute, but the Barcelona forward did not convert the opportunity, according to Interia Sport.

Poland manager Nina Patalon selected a 4-2-3-1 formation for the return match, with Ewa Pajor serving as captain. Belgium manager Elísabet Gunnarsdóttir used a 5-3-2 setup led by captain Tessa Wullaert.

The match was part of Poland's effort to reach the second playoff round, where the winner of the tie would face Ireland or Kazakhstan, according to suaragarut.id.

Polsat Plus Arena Gdansk has been Poland women's national team's home venue since 2024 under an agreement involving the city, stadium operator and Polish Football Association, with the arrangement running through 2027, according to sportmarketing.pl.

The stadium previously hosted Poland against Belgium on September 17, 2021, when attendance reached 8,011 spectators. A June 2026 match against France at the venue drew 11,713 fans, according to sportmarketing.pl.

Belgium's federation promoted support for the national team before the playoff series through fan activities and campaign materials. The organization used the message:

"Have a seat. We need you against Poland" said sportmarketing.pl, the report.

The Belgian federation also highlighted its Red Flames identity through national team communication channels and the #ROAD2027 campaign, according to sportmarketing.pl.