Wales boss Rob Page said missing out on Euro 2024 was "cruel" on his players after Poland edged a penalty shootout 5-4 to qualify in Cardiff.
After a tense 0-0 draw, Wales winger Dan James was the only player to fail to score in the shootout.
Poland's five perfect spot-kicks earned them a place alongside France, the Netherlands and Austria in a tough Group D at the Euros.
"It's a cruel game - one kick away from qualifying. It hurts," said Page.
"We'll be bigger and stronger for having gone through this horrible experience."
Despite the threat of Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski up front, Poland failed to register a single shot on target.
However, the visitors found their range from the spot as Lewandowski, Sebastian Szymanski, Przemyslaw Frankowski, Nicola Zalewski and Krzysztof Piatek confidently fired home.
James had to score to keep his country in it, but Wojciech Szczesny dived low to his right to send Poland to a fifth consecutive Euros.
"This is a very important day for us," said Poland coach Michal Probierz.
