Portugal is set to face Poland after winning their first two matches, putting them at the top of UEFA Nations League League A Group 1. Cristiano Ronaldo played a crucial role during the September games, leading Portugal to a three-point advantage over Poland.
Roberto Martinez continues to support Ronaldo, who remains determined to qualify for the FIFA 2026 World Cup at 39 years old. A win against Poland, followed by a victory over Scotland, could secure a quarterfinal spot for Portugal by finishing in the top two. With six unbeaten matches against Poland, the Portuguese team enters the game as the favorites.
Poland, however, is looking to rebound from a disappointing UEFA Euro 2024 performance, with coach Michal Probierz aiming to maximize an aging squad’s potential. Their objective is to avoid relegation in the Nations League, with a focus on finishing in the top two to stay clear of a relegation playoff.
Match details reveal the game will be held on Saturday, October 12, at 2:45 p.m. ET at Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw, Poland. Fans can watch the match on FS2 and Fubo. Betting odds indicate Poland at +400, a draw at +300, and Portugal favored at -167.
In their previous matches, Ronaldo’s performance helped lead Portugal to a win against Croatia, marking his 900th professional goal. Meanwhile, Poland’s aging star Robert Lewandowski, who recently scored his 84th international goal, will lead his team after their loss to Croatia, leaving both teams on three points with Scotland.
Team news includes fresh faces for Poland such as Maxi Oyedele and Michael Ameyaw, while key veterans like Jan Bednarek, Piotr Zielinski, and Lewandowski remain crucial for the team. Arkadiusz Milik is sidelined due to injury, prompting either Karol Swiderski or Krzysztof Piatek to partner with Lewandowski in attack.
On Portugal’s side, new players Ricardo Velho and Samu Costa join the squad, with Francisco Conceicao returning. However, Geovany Quenda and Pedro Goncalves will miss the match. Martinez is likely to adopt a 4-3-3 formation, featuring Ronaldo and Rafael Leao as key offensive players.
Predictions suggest a close match, with Portugal expected to secure a narrow victory, potentially thanks to Ronaldo’s contribution. The projected outcome is Poland 0, Portugal 1.