Five representatives of PKO Bank Polski Ekstraklasa are representing their countries at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Our players have already made their first appearances.
The Polish national team did not qualify for the tournament that began a week ago in North America. So who is worth rooting for? The players from PKO Bank Polski Ekstraklasa! We have as many as five such players, and they represent four different national teams from four different continents.
The only European called up to the World Cup from PKO Bank Polski Ekstraklasa is Samed Bazdar. The Bosnian striker appeared in the 1:1 draw in the first matchday against hosts Canada, coming on in the 62nd minute. He thus became the first player in the history of Jagiellonia Białystok to play at a World Cup.
The largest continent in the world, Asia, is represented by our duo of Iraqis. Importantly, both Amir Al-Ammari and Hussein Ali feature in the starting lineup of their national team and played every possible minute in the clash against Norway. Despite the heavy defeat against a team considered among the favourites, the players of Cracovia and Pogoń Szczecin can be satisfied with themselves. The former provided an assist for Iraq's only goal, while the latter effectively repelled the attacks of Norway's talented wingers for a long time.
Teams from Africa are performing very well at the ongoing tournament. Steve Kapuadi played a part in the Democratic Republic of Congo's successful start, playing the full match against Cristiano Ronaldo and company. The Widzew Łódź defender performed well in the clash with the biggest stars, and also thanks to him his national team secured a draw (1:1).
We were close to having two players from Oceania at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Ultimately, Deni Jurić did not make Australia's final squad, so we are left looking towards New Zealand. There, the backup goalkeeper is Alex Paulsen, who in the past season played in PKO Bank Polski Ekstraklasa in the colours of Lechia Gdańsk. His national team drew 2:2 with Iran in their first match at this year's World Cup.
