Poland and Bosnia and Herzegovina kick off their UEFA Nations League B journey with a match at PGE Narodowy in Warsaw on Friday evening.
Both countries went into the game with very different emotions. Poland is still recovering from the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, while Bosnia and Herzegovina is trying to continue the momentum generated by a historic summer on the global stage.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 143/50
Bookmaker: 22bet
Poland
After missing the World Cup, the White and Red Army entered a new cycle and had a lot to prove.
Jan Urban’s side ended their promotion hopes with a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Sweden in the play-offs, a game in which they twice equalized only to lose late on. The result ended the team’s seven-match unbeaten run and marked the beginning of a difficult period for the national team.
The Polish team failed to respond positively in the subsequent friendly matches, first losing 0-2 to Ukraine, and then being tied 2-2 by Nigeria. As a result, they will arrive in the National League eager to rediscover the consistency that previously made them difficult to beat.
The hosts also have unfinished business in this tournament. Relegation from the First Division in the 2024-25 season is a disappointing result and Poland will consider a return to the top flight a major goal in the coming months.
Team news
Supporters will once again look to veteran striker Robert Lewandowski for inspiration. The 38-year-old captain remains the focal point of the attack and could prove decisive if Poland are to have a successful campaign.
Despite the absences of Adrian Benedicak and Filip Rozga, the news for the team has been relatively positive. Karol Swiderski is expected to partner Lewandowski in attack, while Nikolai Zalewski, Peter Zielinski and Sebastian Szymanski should provide creativity in midfield.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Unlike their opponents, Bosnia and Herzegovina are approaching this international window with optimism.
The Dragons are enjoying the best year in their history, reaching their second World Cup final and reaching the knockout stages for the first time. This achievement changed expectations for the national team and provided a platform for future progress.
One of the main talking points surrounding this team is that Dzeko is about to retire from the national team. The legendary striker has announced that he will retire from international football at the end of October, ending a remarkable career that saw him become the United States’ all-time top scorer and appearance holder.
The visitors will therefore be very motivated to ensure that Dzeko’s final months in a Bosnia shirt are memorable.
However, recent away performances have been concerning. Bosnia and Herzegovina has won just one of its past six away games, and away wins are often hard to come by.
Team news
Even so, Sergei Barbarez’s side still have plenty of offensive quality. Dzeko is expected to lead the line alongside Elmedin Demirovic, while Klim Arabegovic should play behind the first two players.
Defensively, Nikola Katic, Stepan Raderjic and Tarik Muharemovic are likely to form the backbone of the team in front of goalkeeper Nikola Vasily.
Key factors to consider
- Poland failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing to Sweden in the play-offs.
- The home team is winless in the last three games.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina has entered the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in its history.
- Dzeko is entering the final weeks of his international career.
- Robert Lewandowski remains Poland’s main attacking threat.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina struggled to achieve solid results on the road.
in conclusion
Poland should benefit from home advantage and the presence of experienced leaders such as Lewandowski and Zielinski, but confidence remains fragile after disappointment at the World Cup.
Bosnia and Herzegovina arrive with motivation and confidence after a landmark year for their national team, although their away record suggests it will be a difficult task.
The visitors have enough quality to cause Poland problems throughout the game and with both sides still looking for greater consistency, a tight contest is likely to happen. The draw may ultimately be the result that best illustrates the delicate balance of the Nations League’s first game.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 143/50
Bookmaker: 22bet