Poland's commitment to women's football is paying off

Poland will make their Women's EURO debut in Switzerland after a historic 2-0 on aggregate victory against Austria in the play-off second round.

Their campaign has not been without challenges. Poland faced tough competition in League A of the UEFA Women's European Qualifiers, but it also prepared them for the high stakes of the forthcoming play-offs.

They convincingly defeated Romania 6-2 on aggregate in the first round, before beating Austria 1-0 both home and away to qualify for their first ever women's international tournament.

A new home for Polish women's football

The first leg against Austria took place at Gdansk Stadium, which became the official home of the Polish women's national team earlier this year.

The state-of-the-art venue, which hosted four UEFA EURO 2012 matches and the 2021 Europa League final, was also the backdrop as Poland beat Romania 4-1 in the first leg of the round one play-offs.

A record women's national team attendance of 8,449 was present as talismanic striker and captain Ewa Pajor scored twice, while Natalia Padilla and Nadia Krezyman also hit the back of the net.

It was a notable milestone in the rapid rise of women's football in Poland, which has been accelerated by the efforts of the Polish Football Association (PZPN).

"The Polish women's national team has gained a new home, but also tremendous prestige," said Nina Patalon, manager of the Polish women's national team. "From now on, Gdansk will be associated with women's football and all our fans will be there with us.

"This is another step in the development of women's football in Poland and another initiative of the PZPN, which confirms that it's 'Time for Us'."

Poland line up before their Women's European Qualifier match against GermanyMateusz Slodkowski - supplied by Polish Football Federation

'Time for Us'

In 2022, the PZPN established a women's football department with the long-term goal of popularising the game on a mass scale.

This was followed by the PZPN's first women's football strategy, 'Time for Us'. Produced after consultations and workshops with key stakeholders, as well as support from UEFA, the strategy prioritises four areas – participation, professionalisation, visibility and image, and education and awareness.

The PZPN is also hoping to accelerate the growth of women's football in the country by hosting prestigious events. Poland will be staging the Women's Under-19 EURO next year with the objective of increasing participation among girls and breaking down stereotypes about women’s football, before the country also hosts the FIFA Women's Under-20 World Cup in 2026.

Other events the PZPN has declared interest in hosting include the 2026-2027 UEFA Women's Champions League final and Women's EURO 2029.

Poland celebrate after beating Austria in their UEFA Women's EURO 2025 play-off round two first leg match at Gdansk ArenaGetty Images

UEFA Playmakers is also thriving in Poland – more than 3,000 girls have participated and over 300 coaches have received training since the programme started in 2021 – while at an elite level, Pajor is showing what is possible for female players in the country.

With Wolfsburg, Pajor won the Frauen-Bundesliga five times and finished as the 2022-2023 Women's Champions League top scorer.

The striker signed for Barcelona for the 2024-2025 season and has already scored two goals for the reigning champions in the Women's Champions League.

Pajor was also on target in the play-off against Austria, scoring the second leg's solitary goal.

Tears of joy ran down her face as the final whistle blew, signalling how much the historic breakthrough of Women's EURO 2025 qualification meant to the Polish players.

Pajor was undoubtedly pivotal with her world-class pedigree and ability to shine on the biggest stage, but the achievement is also reflective of the increased efforts to develop Polish women's football.