The Polish national football team is set to kick off its qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup with a match against Lithuania at the National Stadium in Warsaw. The match is scheduled for a 20:45 start time on March 21, 2025, marking a significant event for fans and the players alike.
Coach Michał Probierz has confirmed the starting lineup, which includes several familiar names and a few surprising selections. According to reports, Łukasz Skorupski has been designated to take on the role of goalkeeper, a decision Probierz made known during a pre-match press conference.
The defensive structure will consist of three center-backs: Kamil Piątkowski, Jan Bednarek, and Jakub Kiwior, a combination that aims to establish a solid backbone for the team. They will be supported by wing-backs Matty Cash and Przemysław Frankowski, the latter stepping in to replace the injured Nicola Zalewski, who has been a standout performer recently.
Frankowski's role as a left wing-back is a notable shift, especially since he is being tested in an unfamiliar position. His last appearances for the national team were quite sporadic, making this opportunity crucial for both his career and the team's performance. Matty Cash, who recently joined Galatasaray, brings his skills back into the squad after a year-long absence, having last played on March 21, 2024, against Estonia. His experience and adaptability on the field are expected to be beneficial as well.
In the midfield, Michał Probierz has opted for Jakub Piotrowski, returning to the lineup after a long hiatus—his last notable start was during the European Championship match against Austria in 2024. He will be teamed up with Sebastian Szymański and Jakub Moder, who are tasked with dictating the pace and creativity of the game. The midfield's balance will be critical in linking defense and attack effectively.
The attacking front will feature the dynamic duo of Robert Lewandowski and Karol Świderski, who are expected to bear the primary responsibility for scoring goals. As one of the world's top strikers, Lewandowski will look to capitalize on any opportunities presented by the midfield and wing-backs.
Team reports have confirmed that the lineup for Poland against Lithuania is as follows:
Łukasz Skorupski – Matty Cash, Kamil Piątkowski, Jan Bednarek, Jakub Kiwior, Przemysław Frankowski – Jakub Piotrowski, Sebastian Szymański, Jakub Moder – Robert Lewandowski, Karol Świderski.
On the other side, the Lithuanian team has publicly shared their lineup, which includes Gertmonas, Sirvys, Kazukolovas, Utkus, Tutyskinas, Antanavicius, Lasickas, Gineitis, Golubickas, Kucys, and Dolznikov. They will be hoping to secure a favorable result of their own against the Polish side.
Probierz's approach signifies a strategy that aims for stability in defense while providing enough offensive flair to penetrate Lithuania's backline. This early match in the qualifiers is crucial not only for gaining points but also for establishing momentum in this competitive qualification process.
Fans are buzzing with excitement as they anticipate how the new lineup will perform under pressure during this high-stakes match against Lithuania. Given the significance of this World Cup qualifying round, every match counts, and Poland’s hopes for advancing into the world stage rely heavily on the outcome of this game.
As the kickoff approaches, the tensions mount, and the nation holds its breath, expectant for what this new chapter in Polish football will unfold on the pitch at the National Stadium.
