Poland coach hails Pietuszewski and hands 17-year-old a play-off call-up Poland’s head coach Jan Urban has named 17-year-old Porto winger Oskar Pietuszewski in the squad for the 2026 World Cup play-off against Albania on 26 March. The call-up comes after Pietuszewski’s impressive performances at Porto, where he has adapted to life in a top-tier club. Urban praised the young player’s progress, citing his ability to assert himself in a competitive environment as a key factor in the decision. “Beyond what he did at Jagiellonia and in the academy, he moved to a big foreign club and is showing he can assert himself there. That gave me extra reasons to call him up,” Urban said in an interview with Kanal Sportwy. The coach emphasized that this is just the beginning of Pietuszewski’s career, calling it “a fantastic start” for the teenager. The match against Albania will determine Poland’s path to the 2026 World Cup finals. A win would set up a one-off tie against either Ukraine or Sweden, with the winner securing a place in the tournament. Urban confirmed that experienced players like Bednarek and Kiwior will start the match, with Pietuszewski likely to come off the bench. The selection highlights a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent. Bednarek and Kiwior, both established figures in Polish football, will anchor the defense, while Pietuszewski’s inclusion signals a focus on developing young players for the future. Urban’s decision to bring in the 17-year-old reflects a strategic approach to balance experience with potential, ensuring the team is well-prepared for the high-stakes encounter. The play-off match will be a critical test for Poland, as they aim to advance to the World Cup.#poland #2026_world_cup #porto #jan_urban #oskar_pietuszewski
