Poland kicks off their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against Lithuania in Warsaw on Friday, followed by a second home fixture against Malta on Monday.
Head coach Michał Probierz has named a 25-man squad, but Torino defender Sebastian Walukiewicz and Inter Milan’s Nicola Zalewski have withdrawn due to injury. First-team regulars Paweł Dawidowicz and vice-captain Piotr Zieliński will also miss the Lithuania match.
The absence of Zieliński and Zalewski places additional creative responsibility on midfielders Sebastian Szymański and Jakub Moder. Moder, who joined Feyenoord from Brighton in January, has settled in well in the Eredivisie.
Aston Villa full-back Matty Cash returns to the squad after being overlooked last year. Cash has struggled to replicate his club form on the international stage, but his performances in the Premier League and Champions League this season made his recall inevitable.
Meanwhile, Probierz has confirmed that Bologna’s Łukasz Skorupski will be Poland’s first-choice goalkeeper going forward.
“I believe that he is a good choice and will be a strong point of the team,” Probierz said.
Poland endured a forgettable 2024, exiting the European Championship with a whimper before suffering relegation from the top tier of the UEFA Nations League. Four defeats in six group matches compounded a miserable year.
While their schedule in those competitions was challenging, Poland can make no such excuses in World Cup qualifying. Group G appears favorable, featuring Finland and the loser of the Netherlands-Spain UEFA Nations League quarterfinal, alongside Lithuania (ranked 142nd) and Malta (168th).
Nothing less than six points from the opening two fixtures will be acceptable.
The absence of Zieliński and Zalewski places additional creative responsibility on midfielders Sebastian Szymański and Jakub Moder. Moder, who joined Feyenoord from Brighton in January, has settled in well in the Eredivisie.
Aston Villa full-back Matty Cash returns to the squad after being overlooked last year. Cash has struggled to replicate his club form on the international stage, but his performances in the Premier League and Champions League this season made his recall inevitable.
Meanwhile, Probierz has confirmed that Bologna’s Łukasz Skorupski will be Poland’s first-choice goalkeeper going forward.
“I believe that he is a good choice and will be a strong point of the team,” Probierz said.
Poland expectant after a miserable 2024
Poland endured a forgettable 2024, exiting the European Championship with a whimper before suffering relegation from the top tier of the UEFA Nations League. Four defeats in six group matches compounded a miserable year.
While their schedule in those competitions was challenging, Poland can make no such excuses in World Cup qualifying. Group G appears favorable, featuring Finland and the loser of the Netherlands-Spain UEFA Nations League quarterfinal, alongside Lithuania (ranked 142nd) and Malta (168th).
Nothing less than six points from the opening two fixtures will be acceptable.
Tactical uncertainty for Probierz
Probierz faces a tactical dilemma. His preference for a three-man defense has resulted in a lack of fluidity and attacking dynamism. While Poland’s depth at wing-back justifies the system, it has often stifled creativity in attack.
The team’s focal point remains captain Robert Lewandowski, who is enjoying an impressive season with Barcelona. However, concerns persist over how to provide him with adequate support, given Poland’s shortage of pace and invention in attacking areas.
Regardless of formation, Probierz will be expected to deliver convincing performances against lower-ranked opposition.
“I hope that the fans can identify with the national team. My goal is to win, but also for the team to be pleasant to watch,” he told reporters this week.
Probierz’s cautious approach has drawn criticism, and only positive results will quiet doubts over whether a more tactically astute manager could extract greater potential from this squad.
The expanded 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature 48 teams, up from 32 in Qatar 2022.
UEFA has been allocated 16 qualification spots. The 12 group winners will qualify directly, while the 12 runners-up will enter the playoffs alongside the four best-ranked UEFA Nations League group winners who did not finish in the top two of their qualifying group.
The team’s focal point remains captain Robert Lewandowski, who is enjoying an impressive season with Barcelona. However, concerns persist over how to provide him with adequate support, given Poland’s shortage of pace and invention in attacking areas.
Regardless of formation, Probierz will be expected to deliver convincing performances against lower-ranked opposition.
“I hope that the fans can identify with the national team. My goal is to win, but also for the team to be pleasant to watch,” he told reporters this week.
Probierz’s cautious approach has drawn criticism, and only positive results will quiet doubts over whether a more tactically astute manager could extract greater potential from this squad.
World Cup 2026 format
The expanded 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature 48 teams, up from 32 in Qatar 2022.
UEFA has been allocated 16 qualification spots. The 12 group winners will qualify directly, while the 12 runners-up will enter the playoffs alongside the four best-ranked UEFA Nations League group winners who did not finish in the top two of their qualifying group.
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