The FIFA World Cup, sometimes called the Football World Cup or the Soccer World Cup (Puchar Świata w piłce nożnej), but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the men’s national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the sport’s global governing body. The championship has been awarded every four years since the first tournament in 1930, except in 1942 and 1946, due to World War II.

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What is Poland’s history in this exciting event?

Having qualified for the first time in 1938, Poland were eliminated from the World Cup in France with a 6-5 defeat by Brazil in the first round.

As the country suffered through war and occupation, Poland managed only a brief appearance at the 1960 European Championships in over three decades and failed in their attempts to qualify for the 1958 and 1970 World Cups.

The team were also forced to withdraw from qualifiers for the 1934 and 1954 competitions due to pressures from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

But the misery ended in 1974, as Poland enjoyed success at the World Cup in the then West Germany.

First, they pulled off an upset by beating England to qualification for the tournament and went on to win six out of their seven games, finishing third, with the likes of Grzegorz Lato and Andrzej Szarmach plundering the goals.

This preceded the golden era of Polish football, which saw the national side reach three consecutive World Cups, with the highlight another third-placed finish in 1982 in Spain.

1986 was the next appearance. However, another slump was to follow and supporters were forced to suffer  years of mediocrity and failed qualification attempts before Poland returned to the world’s biggest stage in 2002.

Defeats to Korea Republic and Portugal in the group stage sent Poland crashing out of the tournament but Pawel Janas brings his men to Germany instilled with a sense of belief that the glories of old could return.

Then qualified in 2006, without any exciting news unfortunately.

Poland’s eighth World Cup appearance didn’t go as planned, but it did manage to snatch up three points in the third stage of group play. It defeated Japan 1-0 after losing to Senegal and Colombia in its first two matches, eliminating it from contention in the final match. It goes home with three points under its belt, despite an otherwise disappointing performance.

Wishing these guys best of luck in the future! I know they work hard!