Rising Stars in the Polish National Team: Pietuszewski and Potulski Poised for Potential Debuts
The Polish national football team is on the cusp of welcoming fresh talent as they prepare for crucial World Cup qualifying matches. With head coach Michał Probierz set to announce his squad on March 20th, anticipation is building around the potential inclusion of young stars Oskar Pietuszewski and Kacper Potulski. Both players have been turning heads with their performances for their respective clubs, leading to speculation they could earn their first senior international caps. The Polish Football Association (PZPN) is expected to announce a wider preliminary squad before the final selection, with NK Celje already confirming that Łukasz Bejger is included in the broader group of players considered for the upcoming matches.
The potential call-up for 17-year-ancient Oskar Pietuszewski, currently playing for Portuguese Primeira Liga side Porto, has been widely discussed in Polish football circles. Pietuszewski’s rapid ascent through the ranks has been remarkable. He joined Porto in January 2026, signing a three-year contract to play with fellow Polish internationals Jan Bednarek and Jakub Kiwior. Prior to his move to Portugal, Pietuszewski honed his skills within the Jagiellonia Białystok academy, demonstrating exceptional talent from a young age. He made his debut for Jagiellonia Białystok in the UEFA Europa League play-off round on August 29, 2024, in a 3-0 away loss to AFC Ajax. He also debuted in the Polish Ekstraklasa on December 1, 2024, coming on as a substitute in a 1-1 draw against Pogoń Szczecin. His first goal for Jagiellonia Białystok came on May 4, 2025, in a 1-1 draw against Górnik Zabrze. As of March 9, 2026, Pietuszewski has made 7 appearances for Porto, scoring 2 goals.
Early Promise and Youth Success
Pietuszewski’s talent was evident even at a younger age. On July 5, 2022, he led the Podlaskie Football Association’s team to victory in the under-14 championship of Poland, scoring a hat-trick in a 5-2 win against the Silesian FA’s youth team. He was also recognized as the tournament’s top scorer. Further demonstrating his goal-scoring prowess, Pietuszewski scored another hat-trick on August 23, 2022, in a 3-1 CLJ U-17 victory over Cracovia. He has also represented Poland at the youth levels, earning caps for the U15 (3 caps, 1 goal), U17 (15 caps, 4 goals), and U21 (6 caps, 4 goals) teams.
Potulski’s Rising Stock and Coach’s Observation
Alongside Pietuszewski, 18-year-old Kacper Potulski is also generating significant buzz. Playing as a midfielder for German Bundesliga side Mainz 05, Potulski has impressed with his mature performances and technical ability. Coach Urs Fischer has praised Potulski’s composure and skill, stating he “plays like a 35-year-old veteran,” whereas acknowledging the demand for continued development. Potulski has featured in 16 matches for Mainz this season, scoring one goal – a memorable strike in a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich. His performances have attracted attention from several top European clubs, including Vfb Stuttgart, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Chelsea, Brighton, Brentford, AC Milan, Como, and Inter Milan, with valuations ranging from €15-25 million.
Adding fuel to the speculation, coach Michał Probierz was reportedly in attendance at Mainz’s 0-0 draw against Sigma Olomouc on February 29, 2026, specifically to observe Potulski. Marcin Borzęcki, a journalist for Eleven Sports, revealed this information during a segment on Kanał Sportowy, suggesting that Probierz’s presence could indicate a potential call-up for the young midfielder. “Przegląd Sportowy Onet” also reported that Potulski is likely to be included in the wider squad, although he is currently part of the Poland U-21 team. He has one cap for the U-21 team, appearing in a 3-0 victory over North Macedonia in September.
The Stakes for Poland
The upcoming matches are critical for Poland as they aim to qualify for the World Cup. The pressure is on Probierz to select a squad capable of navigating the playoff stages and securing a spot in the tournament. The inclusion of young, dynamic players like Pietuszewski and Potulski could inject fresh energy and creativity into the team. Their potential call-ups reflect a broader trend of integrating promising young talent into the national setup, signaling a focus on building for the future while remaining competitive in the present. The blend of experienced players and emerging stars will be crucial as Poland seeks to overcome the challenges ahead and achieve their World Cup aspirations.
The Polish national team faces a challenging path to the World Cup, but the emergence of talented young players like Oskar Pietuszewski and Kacper Potulski offers a glimmer of hope. Probierz’s decision on the final squad will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, as Poland looks to secure its place on the world stage. The announcement of the squad on March 20th will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment for Polish football, potentially marking the beginning of a new era with these exciting young prospects.
The next key date for Polish football fans is March 20th, when coach Michał Probierz is scheduled to announce the full squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying playoff matches. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for continued coverage and analysis of the Polish national team’s journey to the World Cup.
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