Kasprowicz: This victory will be remembered for a long time

Poland got the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026™ party started with a resounding 3-0 victory over Argentina in the tournament opener — and the delighted debutants are determined to keep the celebrations going for as long as possible in front of their jubilant home fans.

There was a slight air of uncertainty about how Marcin Kasprowicz's players would fare in their inaugural match at the global showpiece. But Poland impressed from the outset in Katowice, taking a comfortable two-goal lead in a devastating four-minute spell through Oliwia Zwiazek and an Annika Paz own goal, with Maja Zielinska capping the victory deep into injury time.

Kasprowicz is refusing to get too carried away, with a tough test against Mexico coming up. But he is savouring Poland's perfect start to their maiden U-20 Women's World Cup campaign, which he believes serves as a landmark result for women's football in the host nation.

"It is a very important win for us, starting the tournament [this way] is unbelievably important. This is a wonderful time. This was an interesting match, which will be remembered by our fans and us for a long time," Kasprowicz told FIFA.

"We remain very calm after this victory. We play Mexico already in three days' time, then Benin. Group phase has its own rules, everybody can win with everyone. But the first big step forward has been taken by us. I am sure we will create a new spectacle against Mexico."

Zwiazek, who was one of a number of Poland stars who took part in the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Dominican Republic 2024™, seized her opportunity when she pounced on a loose ball to give the hosts the lead. As a former competitive swimmer, it was perhaps little surprise that she made a major splash.

"For sure, it’s a great joy, and it’s an honour to play for the Poland national team. It’s very important for us because this game can help us move up the table, and it’s great to be able to play in Poland," she told FIFA.

"My expectation was to win the first match and then win the next two games to get out of the group. And the first part worked out – we are very happy."

How far does she think that Poland can go? "Personally, I think we can go as far as possible. I would like to play in the final, and that is everybody’s dream," she added. "We will have to see what our journey will be like – whether it will be difficult or easy. But we want to do as well as possible at this championship."

Captain Zuzanna Witek is keeping more of a cool head in terms of Poland's ambitions, but she was nonetheless delighted by the manner in which her team competed against a determined Argentina team.

"For us, the first game is always the most important and for sure, we are confident that we can get out of the group and fight for medals," she told FIFA. "What I liked the most was that we were a team on the pitch, and you could really see that. Everybody was fighting, and we knew that everyone would help each other out. That’s why I’m really proud of my team.

"We have a cool head, it's recovery, sleep, then training tomorrow and then the next training session. I hope we can enjoy this victory today, but the next important game is already waiting for us, and we are already thinking about it."