Red Flames set sights on Poland for World Cup qualification

Under the lights of the Tivoli stadium in Leuven, the Belgian women's national team, the Red Flames, are set to face Poland this Friday at 20:15, the first leg of the first round of the European qualifying playoffs for the 2027 Women's World Cup, which will be held in Brazil. © Photo News

A decisive first hurdle

The Red Flames hope to get past this first hurdle against Poland, but they will then have one or two additional playoff rounds to secure a ticket to Brazil. The match is played in Leuven, in front of Belgian supporters. Add us to your Google favorites to follow the duel (FIFA 18) against Poland (FIFA 29).

Since 2006, the Flames have not lost to the Poles, accumulating four wins and a draw. The last encounter, on 30 November 2021, ended with a 4‑0 victory for Belgium, thanks to Tine De Caigny, Hannah Eurlings, Janice Cayman and an own goal by Malgorzata Mesjasz.

Absences, newcomers and ambitions

However, the teams will have to do without Hannah Eurlings and Valesca Ampoorter, injured and unable to join the squad. A small newcomer appears: Karlijn Helsen, from Anderlecht Sporting, joins the selection. But the Flames remain confident.

Leading the attack, captain Tessa Wullaert, recently nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, carries the team's hopes. Her experience and leadership are considered decisive to break through the Polish defence.

The return match is scheduled for 13 October at 18:00 in Gdańsk, Poland. In case of qualification, the Red Flames will face in the second round the winner of the duel between Ireland and Kazakhstan.

Belgium has never taken part in a World Cup final stage, and the road could get longer. Of the eight European nations that will get through the two playoff rounds, only seven will qualify directly; the lowest‑ranked team in the Nations League ranking will have to face an intercontinental playoff. Belgium sits in 22nd place in the ranking, which suggests another playoff if it progresses.

Coach Elisabeth Gunnarsdóttir said: “It’s a team with many top‑class players, but we have enough quality to beat them.” “We all dream of going to Brazil,” she insists.