Lewandowski signals uncertainty over Poland future after World Cup exit

Warsaw: Poland captain Robert Lewandowski has suggested his international career may be nearing its end after the national side failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The 37-year-old appeared crestfallen after Poland’s 3-2 loss to Sweden in Tuesday’s qualification playoff final, a result that ended the team’s hopes of reaching the tournament in North America. The defeat has raised fresh questions over whether the Barcelona striker has played his last match for his country.

Hours after the game in Stockholm, Lewandowski shared a photograph on social media showing himself leaving the pitch. The post was accompanied by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli’s song Time to Say Goodbye, prompting speculation that he was preparing to step away from international football.

Despite that, Lewandowski later indicated that no final decision had been taken. Speaking to Polish media after the match, he said he was not yet ready to make a definitive announcement about his future with the national team.

I am not in a position to make any declarations. I will return to my club; I still have some matches to play. I will have to answer the question marks in the back of my head for myself,

Poland’s failure to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup means Lewandowski could be denied the ending he had hoped for in an international career that has spanned well over a decade. He returned to the squad in August after a dispute with former coach Michal Probierz.

Lewandowski, who was born in Warsaw, has been a central figure for Poland since making his debut in 2008. He has worn the captain’s armband since 2014 and holds the national records for both appearances and goals.

According to the reported figures, he has scored 89 goals in 165 matches for Poland, making him the country’s all-time leading goalscorer as well as its most-capped player.

Long career nears a crossroads

The latest setback marks another painful moment for a player who has been the face of the national team for years. With the next World Cup still four years away, the timing has intensified discussion over whether he will continue at international level.

Earlier in the playoff campaign, Lewandowski had already spoken about how his perspective on football was changing as his career progressed, saying he had begun to think more seriously about the end of his playing days.

As my career goes on, I appreciate certain moments more,

I'm not afraid to end my career because I'm starting to prepare for it. I know it's a very important part of my life, but it's not everything.

For now, Lewandowski has stopped short of confirming retirement, but Poland’s World Cup qualifying exit has left his international future uncertain.