Poland Coach Kasprowicz on Home Soil U-20 Women's World Cup

Poland coach Marcin Kasprowicz has spoken to FIFA about leading his team at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026 on home soil, describing the tournament as a milestone for women's football in the country. It marks the first time Poland has hosted a major global women's tournament, and it represents the next significant step for the generation under Kasprowicz's guidance.

In Group A, the hosts will face Argentina, Mexico, and tournament debutants Benin. Kasprowicz discussed his team's development, the importance of hosting the World Cup, the strengths of their opponents, and his clear objective: to win matches.

Team Development and Experience

Kasprowicz emphasized the growth of his squad, noting that the players have gained valuable experience since their participation in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic. "Above all, this is a more experienced squad. The players have really come on, and I've grown as a coach too. You can't put a price on that," he said.

He highlighted the learning experience from facing top national teams, including Korea DPR, who went on to become world champions. "Matches like that push us forward. They give us fresh targets, a new sense of drive and allow us to assess the individual development of the players. Testing ourselves against different playing styles and different player profiles makes us more complete as a team."

Making History at Home

The coach acknowledged the historic nature of the tournament for Poland. "Yes, we are making history. The FIFA U-20 World Cup is the most important youth tournament in the world, and for most players, it is the only tournament of this kind in their careers. This will wrap up a specific stage of our development."

Poland has previously competed in four European Championships (twice at U-17 and twice at U-19) and the U-17 World Cup. Kasprowicz believes their qualification for these tournaments is no accident. "I often talk about how the path we chose was the right one. It is no fluke that we have reached all these major tournaments. Now we get to play in one that acts almost as a bookend, and is the culmination of our entire development cycle."

He also sees the tournament as a springboard for players' careers. "I firmly believe this will also accelerate the players' momentum and their transition into senior club football, as well as their pathway into the senior national team. The players who stand out will undoubtedly be considered for senior call-ups in the future."

Group A Challenges

Kasprowicz acknowledged the strength of the opposition. "It is a tough group and the opposition is strong. Argentina are a very good side. They're capable of beating the very best teams, even Brazil. It's no fluke that they have qualified for the World Cup again and that we get the opportunity to play them."

He also referenced a friendly against Mexico in Bielsko-Biala in June, which served as a scouting opportunity. "It's a similar story with Mexico, who we went up against in a friendly in Bielsko-Biala in June. However, you have to remember that a friendly is completely different from a World Cup match. The goal of that game, though, was to figure them out on the pitch, understand their strengths, and identify their key players. It was a highly valuable test, after which I can say they are a very strong opponent."

Regarding Benin, he noted their unpredictability as newcomers. "As a brand-new team at this level, Benin will be highly unpredictable. Teams can react to the atmosphere of a tournament in many different ways. Some can be crippled by stage fright but some find extra energy and positive adrenaline."

Goals and Legacy

Kasprowicz stressed the importance of humility and commitment. "We must approach this World Cup with humility, full commitment, and a sense of responsibility. Our goal will be to win games."

He expressed hope that the tournament will boost women's football in Poland. "This will be a stepping stone in the further development of Polish women's football and I hope and firmly believe that this tournament will make women's football even more popular at home. The World Cup should inspire more young girls to take up the game. We'll then see them progress through the youth ranks and into senior football in competitions run by the Polish Football Association."