Robert Lewandowski seals Poland recall for World Cup double header | OneFootball

Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski has been recalled to the Poland squad for September’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The decision comes following a dramatic saga over his status as Poland captain after opting against linking up with Michal Probierz’s panel for June’s international camp on the back of a demanding club season.

Lewandowski made the call after speaking with Probierz but the 37-year-old faced some negativity over the decision which ignited a row with Probierz.

The June games were overshadowed by the issue as Lewandowski stated would not consider playing for Poland again until there was a change of manager.

Lewandowski was ultimately the winner in the stand off, as Probierz was sacked over the summer, and promptly replaced by Jan Urban.

The new boss quickly stated bringing Lewandowski back in as captain was a crucial priority and Barcelona’s No.9 accepted the olive branch.

Lewandowski has 85 goals in 158 international appearances as the leader in both lists for Poland and they will need him at full power next month despite an injury impacted start to the 2025/26 in Catalonia.

The forward missed the opening win over Mallorca, and came off the bench in the win at Levante, with a full return expected against Rayo Vallecano this weekend.

Lewandowski returns ahead of crucial Poland games

Poland won their first two qualifiers back in March, via home wins over Lithuania and Malta in Group G, and Lewandowski scored the clincher in the first game.

However, in Lewandowski’s absence, they lost 2-1 in Finland in June, and they currently sit third in the group after three games played so far in qualification.

September will be crucial, with qualification squeezed into three windows in 2025, followed by playoffs in March 2026.

On the horizon is a crunch trip to the Netherlands on September 4 followed by a home tie with Finland three days later.