If Poland are to reach the World Cup next fall, they will do so without Paulo Sousa.

The Polish Football Association announced on Wednesday the dismissal of the manager of the national team.

Jako zarzid @pzpn_pl podjęliśmy jednogłośną decyzję o rozwiązaniu kontraktu z Paulo Sousą. W ramach porozumienia były selekcjoner zapłaci PZPN odszkodowanie zgodne z oczekiwaniami federacji.

– Cezary Kulesza (@Czarek_Kulesza) December 29, 2021

Poland face Russia on March 24 in Moscow in lane B of the UEFA second qualifying round. The winner of this match will meet the winner of the Sweden v Czech Republic match, scheduled for the same day, March 29 with a place in Qatar at stake.

The Polish president announces that Paulo Sousa is separating from the national team. The contract will be terminated with immediate effect, all signed and completed. ?? #Poland

Paulo Sousa will soon be announced as the new confirmed Flamengo manager. ️ #Flamengo

-Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 29, 2021

Fabrizio Romano reports that Sousa is set to become the manager of the Brazilian team Flamengo.

Hailing from Viseu, Portugal, Sousa became Poland coach in January 2021 and guided the team through the Euro, but failed to make it through the group stage. Under Sousa, Poland finished second against England in Group I in the first round of the UEFA World Cup qualifiers.

Prior to coaching Poland, Sousa, 51, made stints at Queens Park Rangers, Swansea City, Leicester City, Basel, Fiorentina and Bordeaux.

As a player, Sousa has been selected 51 times by Portugal and has spent time with Benfica, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Inter and Espanyol.