Poland’s captain Robert Lewandowski has suggested he may retire from international football following the nation’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The 37-year-old striker appeared visibly distraught after Poland’s 3-2 defeat to Sweden in the playoff final on Tuesday, which confirmed their absence from the upcoming tournament.
Shortly after the match in Stockholm, Lewandowski shared a poignant image on social media showing himself leaving the pitch, paired with the song “Time to Say Goodbye” by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli. This loss denies the Barcelona forward the chance to conclude his international career on the world stage, despite his return to the national squad in August after a dispute with former coach Michal Probierz.
In a significant development, Lewandowski tempered speculation about his future by stating he had not made any definitive decisions. “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,” he told Polish media.
With the next World Cup four years away, this exit represents a difficult moment for the Warsaw-born forward, who has been a cornerstone of the national team since his debut in 2008. Lewandowski has captained Poland since 2014 and holds the record for both goals and appearances, having scored 89 goals in 165 matches.
Earlier in the playoff campaign, Lewandowski reflected on his career, saying, “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.” His remarks highlight a thoughtful approach to the next phase of his professional journey amid the national team’s setback.
