Lewandowski and Zielinski headline Poland’s World Cup squad

Poland have announced their 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

They will begin their campaign against Mexico on November 22 before fixtures against Saudi Arabia and Argentina.

Robert Lewandowski will lead the Polish side into his second-ever World Cup, and he will look to have a bigger impact.

The 34-year-old has been off to a scintillating start to his Barcelona career, scoring 18 goals in all competitions.

The former Bayern Munich striker will be looking to translate his rich vein of goalscoring form to the national team.

Lewandowski endured a disappointing campaign in the 2018 World Cup, with Poland failing to get past the group stage.

However, he has been a key figure for the national side in recent years. He netted three goals at the 2020 European Championships despite Poland exiting at the group stage.

Lewandowski finished third in World Cup 2022 qualifiers (Europe) top goalscorers list with nine goals.

Poland head coach Czesław Michniewicz has also summoned Juventus striker Arkadiusz Milik – currently on loan from Marseille – and Salernitana’s Krzysztof Piatek (on loan from Hertha BSC) to the World Cup squad.

Piotr Zielinski will marshall the midfield, and his presence will be vital to Poland.

The 28-year-old has been one of the best midfielders in Europe this season due to his stellar form with Napoli, racking up five goals and seven assists in all competitions.

AS Roma prodigy Nicola Zalewski has also made it to the squad alongside another Serie A rising star Jakub Kiwior.

The 20-year-old has grown into one of the most exciting young defenders following his impressive form at Salernitana.

The Polish centre-back will be in the spotlight during the World Cup, and it will also be an opportunity to have his stock rise further.

Poland World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Wojciech Szczesny (Juventus), Bartlomiej Dragowski (Spezia), Lukasz Skorupski (Bologna).

Defenders: Jan Bednarek (Aston Villa), Kamil Glik (Benevento), Robert Gumny (FC Augsburg), Artur Jedrzejczyk (Legia Warsaw), Jakub Kiwior (Spezia), Mateusz Wieteska (Clermont), Bartosz Bereszynski (Sampdoria), Matty Cash (Aston Villa), Nicola Zalewski (AS Roma).

Midfielders: Krystian Bielik (Birmingham City), Przemyslaw Frankowski (Lens), Kamil Grosicki (Pogon Szczecin), Grzegorz Krychowiak (Al-Shabab), Jakub Kaminski (VfL Wolfsburg), Michal Skoras (Lech Poznan), Damian Szymanski (AEK Athens), Sebastian Szymanski (Feyenoord), Piotr Zielinski (Napoli), Szymon Zurkowski (Fiorentina).

Forwards: Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona), Arkadiusz Milik (Juventus), Krzysztof Piatek (Salernitana), Karol Swiderski (Charlotte FC)