Summary

  • Ben Davies goal ruled out for offside in first half added time

  • Wojciech Szczesny brilliantly denies Kieffer Moore in second half

  • Chris Mepham sent off late on in extra time as game ends goalless

  • Robert Lewandowski, Sebastian Szymanski, Przmyslaw Frankowski, Nicola Zalewski and Kryzstof Piatek all score spot-kicks

  • Ben Davies, Kieffer Moore, Harry Wilson and Neco Williams score penalties but Daniel James misses

  • Poland to face Netherlands, Austria and France this summer in Germany

  1. Every Wales Euros goalpublished at 19:08 Greenwich Mean Time 26 March

    Wales v Poland (19:45 GMT)

    Watch every goal Wales have ever scored at Euros finals, including the memorable run to the semi-finals in 2016, as Rob Page's side prepare to face Poland in a Euro 2024 play-off final tonight.

    Media caption,

    Watch every Wales Euro finals goal including ones that took them to the semi-finals

  2. Fan predictionspublished at 19:06 Greenwich Mean Time 26 March

    Wales v Poland (19:45 GMT)

    It's safe to say some fans are feeling more confident than others ahead of tonight's match.

    Gerwyn Jones, from Denbigh, said: “We’re feeling okay.

    “I think it’s 50:50 really, there’s not much between them so we’ll see.

    “We come down for all the games really. We’re in the Canton Stand and we’ve been in there for all the qualifiers.

    “I think we’ll win 2-1.”

    Iona Edwards-Jones, also from Denbigh, said: “I’m hopeful. I think the referee’s got a big part to play.

    “I’m quite positive. I’m hoping we’ll nick it by a goal. 1-0, hopefully 2-0.

    “Our tickets are already booked (for Germany)!”

    Wales flag at Cardiff City StadiumImage source, Getty Images
  3. Another summer of fun?published at 19:03 Greenwich Mean Time 26 March

    Wales v Poland (19:45 GMT)

    Wales qualified for their first-ever campaign at the European Championship in 2016 - a first major tournament since the 1958 World Cup - and it's fair to say they made the most of their summer in France.

    They stunned Belgium 3-1 in the quarter-finals (see jubilant scenes below) but came up short against Portugal in the semi-finals.

    After qualifying for Euro 2020, Wales made it to the last 16 where they met a strong Denmark side who ran out 4-0 winners.

    Wales have their sights set on a few more memorable days and nights at the Euros this summer, but they need to find a way beyond Poland tonight to turn that dream into reality.

    Gareth Bale celebrating v BelgiumImage source, Getty Images
    Wales celebrating v Belgium in 2016Image source, Getty Images
  4. Big match factspublished at 19:01 Greenwich Mean Time 26 March

    Wales v Poland (19:45 GMT)

    • Wales and Poland have faced each other on 10 previous occasions. Wales' only victory came in their first meeting back in March 1973, losing seven and drawing two of their nine subsequent meetings.
    • Wales have lost each of their past six games against Poland (all played between 2001 and 2022); the only other non-British nation they've had a longer losing run against is the Netherlands, with 10 straight defeats between 1988 and 2022.
    • Poland have won each of their past three away games against Wales, all of which have been in competitive action (2-1 in 2001, 3-2 in 2004 and 1-0 in 2022). Indeed, the only other European sides they've had a longer winning streak away from home against are San Marino (five) and Finland (two runs of four).
    • Following their 4-1 victory over Finland, Wales stretched their unbeaten run to seven matches (four wins, three draws); only once have they recorded a longer streak without defeat under Robert Page (nine games between September 2021 and March 2022 - four wins, five draws).
    • Wales are looking to qualify for a third consecutive European Championships, having previously appeared in the 2016 and 2020 editions. In Euro qualifiers played at Cardiff City Stadium, Wales have only lost one of their past 15 (10 wins, four draws).
    • Since the start of 2023, Poland have lost three of their four Euro qualifier matches played away from home, losing to the Czech Republic, Moldova and Albania in that time. They did win their most recent one, however, away to the Faroe Islands back in October (2-0).
    • Harry Wilson has been directly involved in six goals in nine appearances in the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign (three goals, three assists), the most of any player for Wales. The Fulham midfielder has assisted a goal in each of his past two outings, while his 16 chances created are also the most of any player for the Dragons in this qualifying campaign.
    • Robert Lewandowski has been directly involved in 24 goals in his past 27 appearances for Poland (16 goals, eight assists), although he has not scored in any of his three games against Wales to date.
  5. 'Another nail- biting, nerve shredding play-off occasion is in store'published at 18:59 Greenwich Mean Time 26 March

    Wales v Poland (19:45 GMT)

    Rob Phillips
    BBC Wales Football Correspondent on BBC Radio Wales

    Wales are on the brink again!

    Another nail-biting, nerve shredding play-off occasion is in store at the Welsh football squad’s fortress of the sold out Cardiff City Stadium.

    Two years ago this month Wales beat Austria 2-0 in the capital to set up a winner takes all play-off final against Ukraine for a place in the World Cup in Qatar.

    They won that final 1-0 on a never-to-be-forgotten night at the CCS in June 2022.

    All the play-off goals were, of course, netted courtesy of Gareth Bale. But Wales have him no more.

    Having dispatched Finland emphatically 4-1 in the semi-final last Thursday, Wales now face Poland in a Euro 2024 play-off final – to earn one of the last three remaining spots in this summer’s finals in Germany.

    Manager Rob Page, who has suffered some slings and arrows in his time at the helm, could make history by becoming the first Welsh national team boss to lead the nation to two major tournament finals.

    And having qualified for Euro 2016 – memorably going to the semi finals – and the delayed Euros in 2021, Wales are on the verge of qualifying for three successive European Championship finals.

    As ever the Red Wall will provide stupendous vocal backing to this new look post-Bale Wales team.

    The pre-match rendition of “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” is not to be missed.

    Chris Wathan will be guiding us through proceedings on Radio Wales. Joining me for commentary are Wales’ all time leading goalscorer Helen Ward and Nathan Blake, who has a goal against Poland to his name.

    It is all on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Sounds from now, link at the top of this page!

    Radio Wales Sport logoImage source, BBC Sport
  6. 'I think we will win'published at 18:54 Greenwich Mean Time 26 March

    Wales v Poland (19:45 GMT)

    Jack Roberts outside a Cardiff pub

    The atmosphere is starting to build in Cardiff city centre as Wales and Poland fans pour into the pubs ahead of kick-off.

    Among them is 23-year-old Jack Roberts, who along with four friends has made the six-hour drive down from Pwllheli in north Wales.

    Jack's predicting a 2-1 win for Wales, with Kieffor Moore and Dan James to score.

    "I hope we won tonight. Poland won 5-1 last week but we won 4-1 against a better team than they did, so I think we will win," he says.

    Jack has taken a few days off unpaid from his job at a cheese factory and is hoping for some more time in the summer, with the trip to Germany "already booked".

  7. Will tonight be a high or a low for Welsh fans?published at 18:49 Greenwich Mean Time 26 March

    Wales v Poland (19:45 GMT)

    "It's hard work being a Wales fan!" laughs local council worker Hayley Hawker.

    She's taken the afternoon off to drive down to the capital from Blackwood to watch the game with Mike and Sharon Martin.

    Mike has been going to Wales games for 60 years, but says the last eight years - seeing Wales reach two European Championships and a World Cup - have been "fantastic".

    "It's great to see, we have actually been to see Wales in the Millennium Stadium when there were 5,000 people watching - now we sell out a 30,000 stadium which is great."

    Hayley Hawker and Sharon Martin
  8. A Dafydd Iwan cameo?published at 18:44 Greenwich Mean Time 26 March

    Wales v Poland (19:45 GMT)

    Roopa Vyas, from Caerphilly, was in Cardiff last Thursday for the win against Finland which she described as "another level again for Wales and that performance was outstanding, from the whole team, so hopefully the same again tonight".

    On speculation that Dafydd Iwan would make an appearance, she added: "If Dafydd Iwan is on the pitch, I think it's a huge boost. Everyone will be belting out Yma o Hyd regardless, but my predication is Dafydd Iwan on the pitch once Wales qualify."

    Roopa Vyas
  9. Poland team news - visitors unchangedpublished at 18:41 Greenwich Mean Time 26 March

    Wales v Poland (19:45 GMT)

    Dafydd Pritchard
    BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff City Stadium

    Poland name an unchanged team from their 5-1 thrashing of Estonia in Thursday’s other play-off semi-final.

    Aston Villa right-back Matty Cash misses out after picking up an injury against Estonia having come on as a substitute.

    Poland: Szczesny; Bednarek, Dawidowicz, Kiwior; Frankowski, Zielinski, Slisz, Piotrowski, Zalewski; Swiderski, Lewandowski.

    Subs: Bulka, Skorupski, Puchacz, Walukiewicz, Salamon, Bochniewicz, Piatek, Romanczuk, Szymanski, Bereszynski, Grosicki, Buksa.

  10. Wales team news - Moore replaces Brookspublished at 18:37 Greenwich Mean Time 26 March
    Breaking

    Wales v Poland (19:45 GMT)

    Dafydd Pritchard
    BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff City Stadium

    Wales manager Robert Page makes one change from the team which beat Finland 4-1 in Thursday’s play-off semi-final.

    Striker Kieffer Moore comes in for David Brooks, who drops to the bench.

    Ben Davies is captain once again as regular skipper Aaron Ramsey is only fit enough to be named among the substitutes.

    Wales: Ward; Mepham, Rodon, B. Davies; Roberts, Ampadu, J. James, Williams; Wilson, Johnson, Moore.

    Subs: Hennessey, King, Fox, Dasilva, Sheehan, Savage, Ramsey, D. James, Matondo, Brooks, Broadhead, Cullen.

  11. History and noise - Wales boss Robert Page's turbulent storypublished at 18:34 Greenwich Mean Time 26 March

    Wales v Poland (19:45 GMT)

    Dafydd Pritchard
    BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff City Stadium

    Robert Page stands on the brink of history once more as Wales prepare for Tuesday's Euro 2024 play-off final against Poland.

    Yet strange as it might seem to say of the only man to have led Wales at two major tournaments - now one win away from his third - the ground on which he stands may not be as firm as you would think.

    There is no doubting Page's place in Welsh footballing lore as the manager who led Wales to their first World Cup for 64 years.

    Since that crowning moment of his tenure, however, the former centre-back has found himself under pressure at times.

    First there was the disappointment of Wales' dismal performance at the World Cup itself, then the faltering qualifying Euro 2024 campaign which prompted Football Association of Wales bosses to openly question Page's future.

    The manager and his players have recovered well from that particularly tempestuous period to put themselves back in a position where they are one win away from qualifying for a third successive European Championship.

    And considering what Page has withstood to get to this point, he will hope that victory over Poland at Cardiff City Stadium will, in the words of his players, silence the outside noise.

    Read more: Wales boss Robert Page's turbulent story

    Robert PageImage source, Getty Images
  12. 'I was dreading this fixture for years. I was hoping it would never happen'published at 18:30 Greenwich Mean Time 26 March

    Wales v Poland (19:45 GMT)

    Tonight is a nervous night for anyone who cares about Welsh or Polish football, but imagine how things are for former Wales international and assistant boss Kit Symons.

    Kit’s partner, Izabella Rybka, is Polish and the pair featured on BBC Radio this morning.

    Kit Symons: “We’re in separate rooms now and that’s going to remain until the final whistle I think. There will be no fraternising with the enemy, that’s for sure.”

    Izabella Rybka: “I must say I’m a bit nervous-cited. A mixture of being nervous and excited for the game. I was dreading this fixture for years. I was hoping it would never happen.

    “We’re going to watch it together at home. Our dog is bilingual. She is very torn as well. Her name is Hazel, she is a springer spaniel.”

    As for those all-important predictions….

    Kit: “I think it’s going to be a really tight game but I think Wales will win in regular time. No extra time and penalties, please.”

    Izabella: “It’s a win, win for me because I’m emotionally attached to both teams. But for me, 3-2 to Poland in regular time.”

    Kit SymonsImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Kit Symons, left, with Rob Page (centre) at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

  13. 'Layers and waterproofs will come in handy!'published at 18:27 Greenwich Mean Time 26 March

    Wales v Poland (19:45 GMT)

    Sue Charles
    BBC Wales weather presenter

    Many fans heading to Cardiff City Stadium are weather-watching for the big game.

    It should at least stay mostly dry before the match.

    But with low pressure dominating, patchy rain and drizzle is never too far away.

    And while it might be cloudy but dry for a time tonight, a cold front will start to push in from the south west overnight, turning cloudier ahead of that with some rain possible.

    In Cardiff the heaviest rain should hold off until after the match. But layers and waterproofs will come in handy!

    Wales weather graphic
  14. Poland fans at the heart of Cardiff Marketpublished at 18:24 Greenwich Mean Time 26 March

    Wales v Poland (19:45 GMT)

    At Polish dumpling restaurant Pierogi, in Cardiff Market, co-owner Chris Orzechowski said he was expecting to see “dragon fire” on the pitch from the hosts.

    “It’s hard for me because I’ve lived in Cardiff longer than I lived in Poland,” he said.

    “Actually I’m lucky, I have got two tickets and I am going to support the Poland team in the stadium. Last Thursday I was supporting the Wales team too, I have a good laugh with all my Welsh friends about the game and I’m looking forward to it. We expect a hot atmosphere.”

    Mr Orzechowski said his restaurant normally sold around 1,500 pierogi, or Polish dumplings, in a single day - but tonight they were expecting to sell around 2,500 - boosted by travelling Polish fans.

    “Like all Poland fans, they came here [to Cardiff] because they believe in the team and they want to support the team and be like an extra player on the pitch,” said Mr Orzechowski.

    “We hope Lewandoski will score a couple of goals and we are going to win.”

    “The biggest Poland fan is my husband at home,” said Iwona Rdzanek, who also works at the restaurant.

    “We are excited, we are very excited. A lot of fans everywhere, they are coming here to eat the pierogi and then we are all going to the game.

    “They are very confident when they come in here."

    Pierogi - Cardiff MarketImage source, Pierogi
  15. Fans face major delays after M4 crashpublished at 18:21 Greenwich Mean Time 26 March

    Fans travelling on the M4 from England could face major delays, after a serious crash closed the motorway.

    Emergency services are at the scene of a collision, which happened at 13:00 GMT, on the M4 between junction 18 for Bath and junction 19 for Bristol.

    The eastbound carriageway has reopened but the westbound carriageway remains closed.

    Traffic cameras are showing long queues on the motorwayImage source, National Highways
    Image caption,

    Traffic cameras are showing long queues on the motorway

    A diversion route is in place and Avon and Somerset Police is urging motorists to avoid the area if possible.

    Highways England said there are delays of 45 minutes above usual journey times approaching the closure at junction 18.

  16. From north to southpublished at 18:17 Greenwich Mean Time 26 March

    Wales v Poland (19:45 GMT)

    Gareth left Wrexham at midday to come to Cardiff with his two children, Gethin and Amelea.

    Speaking to Ellie Carter on BBC Radio Wales Drive, he said: "It is a long journey, it doesn't get any shorter over the years but nights like this are absolutely incredible."

    He remembers watching his first Wales game in 1993 at Cardiff Arms Park against Romania when Paul Bodin missed a penalty.

    He said: "It was a tough night for me as a seven-year-old but it's made up for it over the last few years with us qualifying and these good times."

    Wales fan Gareth (c) with his two children, Gethin (l) and Amelea (r).
  17. Welcome to fortress Cardiff City Stadiumpublished at 18:12 Greenwich Mean Time 26 March

    Wales v Poland (19:45 GMT)

    Chris Wathan
    BBC Sport Wales

    Home is where the heart is for Wales.

    Captain Aaron Ramsey has spoken about home advantage in these play-offs fuelling Welsh confidence of qualification for a fourth major finals in the last decade - and there's a good reason.

    Fans can reel off the history-making evenings at Cardiff City Stadium, from Belgium in 2015, Hungary in 2019 and – of course – those two World Cup play-off victories.

    Aside from those atmospheric memories, there’s a fortress feel to the place where they’ve played every home qualifier since 2011.

    Since 2014, Wales have lost just two qualifying games out of 25 at the ground and won 15 – that’s a win ratio of 60%.

    More of the same would do Rob Page and that expectant Red Wall very nicely indeed.

    Wales celebrate Bale goal v UkraineImage source, Getty Images
  18. The Auschwitz survivor's son who played for Walespublished at 18:06 Greenwich Mean Time 26 March

    Wales v Poland (19:45 GMT)

    What a story this is....

    When young Polish couple Franciszek and Anna Krzywicki left Italy for the UK in 1946, little did they imagine that they would have a son who would one day play international football for Wales.

    This is the story of Dick Krzywicki....

    Read more: The Auschwitz survivor's son who played for Wales

    Dick Krzywicki, then and now
    'The highlight' of Dick Krzywicki's career - scoring past Gordon Banks at Ninian ParkImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    'The highlight' of Dick Krzywicki's career - scoring past Gordon Banks at Ninian Park

  19. How did Wales book their final spot?published at 18:02 Greenwich Mean Time 26 March

    Wales v Poland (19:45 GMT)

    So how did Wales set-up tonight's final?

    Wales will face Poland for a place at Euro 2024 after beating Finland convincingly in their play-off semi-final in Cardiff.

    David Brooks gave the home side the perfect start as he volleyed in on the rebound after Harry Wilson's shot was saved in the third minute.

    Finland controlled large spells of the first half and, although Neco Williams doubled Wales' lead with a beautiful curling free-kick, the visitors kept themselves in contention as Teemu Pukki finished calmly shortly before the break.

    Brennan Johnson settled any creeping Welsh nerves as he tapped in from Brooks' shot 90 seconds into the second half.

    Despite missing chances to add to their lead and having a Ben Davies goal disallowed, Robert Page's men were comfortable winners as substitute Dan James added a late fourth on his 50th cap.

    You can read the full Wales 4-1 Finland report here.

    Wales celebrate Dan James' goalImage source, Getty Images
  20. Carl ac Alunpublished at 17:58 Greenwich Mean Time 26 March

    Wales v Poland (19:45 GMT)

    Our Welsh language friends can start listening to the big match build-up now by using the Carl ac Alun link above.

    Don't forget, we also have Welsh commentary, with the Radio Cymru programme starting at 6pm.

    Carl ac Alun yn edrych 'mlaen at y gêm bêl-droed rhwng Cymru a Gwlad Pwyl yn Rownd Derfynol Gemau Ailgyfle Ewro 2024.

    Carl ac Alun