2026 World Cup: Poland cries foul

31.03.26 FT World Cup Qualification UEFA

Sweden

3

:

Poland

2

On Tuesday night, Poland was knocked out of the 2026 World Cup play-offs by Sweden. The elimination has caused an uproar back home.

Robert Lewandowski and his teammates were eliminated on Tuesday evening in the play-off by Sweden (3-2). Back in Poland, much of the blame has been directed at the match official, Mr. Slavko Vincić. Several of his decisions have sparked heated debate across the country.

Polish media didn’t hesitate to criticize him. Former referee Rafał Rostkowski also lashed out with these words: "Vincić was inconsistent, whistling for minor fouls while letting serious ones go. A dreadful performance. This match is a disgrace to the refereeing profession." He went on to discuss controversial moments, notably a foul committed on Lewy and a Matty Cash handball.

He also brought up Sweden’s second goal: "I don’t understand why the goal was allowed when the Swedish player, who was offside, blocked Lewandowski. The incident should have been carefully reviewed. I don’t understand why VAR wasn’t used."

Fans of the Polish national team have also cried scandal. Some of them are even considering submitting a petition to FIFA, demanding that the match be replayed.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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