The Defining Moment
Poland 1938
In the knockout rounds, they were narrowly knocked out by Brazil in the Round of 16. The narrowest of defeats against Brazil ended what had been a promising tournament run.
Edward Madejski
Władysław Szczepaniak
Antoni Gałecki
Ewald Dytko
Wilhelm Góra
Erwin Nyc
Ernst Wilimowski
Ryszard Piec
Leonard Piątek
Fryderyk Scherfke
Gerard Wodarz
4-3-3
4-4-2
4-3-3
4-2-3-1
4-1-4-1
4-5-1
4-3-2-1
3-5-2
3-4-3
5-3-2
5-4-1
Piece
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World Cup 1938
Poland
Round of 16For the first time in their history, Poland walked onto the World Cup stage. Józef Kałuża led the squad into the unknown.
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Latest News
Brazil Beats Poland 6-5 in Round of 16 Drama
The 1938 FIFA World Cup saw a truly memorable encounter between Brazil and Poland, culminating in a stunning 6-5 victory for the home side in a crucial round of 16 …
Jan 05, 2026
The Campaign
World Cup 1938
Poland's tournament was a mixed affair, with promising moments offset by results that ultimately cut their journey short.
1938 campaign
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matches played
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Averaged 5.0 goals per match 5 goals on debut — a first World Cup that announced their arrival.
Top Scorer
Ernst Wilimowski
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goals
Forward
Ernst Wilimowski led Poland's attack with 4 goals at the 1938 World Cup. A specialist in decisive moments, with goals in the closing stages that changed the course of matches.
Head Coach
Józef Kałuża
Poland · 1938
The tactical mind behind Poland's 1938 campaign.
Playing Style
The Tacticians
Tactical identity · 1938
Under Józef Kałuża's leadership, Poland employed a defensive-minded approach with an emphasis on quick counter-attacks. Their squad size was moderate at 22 players, but they showed promise in their matches.
Goalkeepers
Edward Madejski
1GAME
GK
Walter Brom
GK
Defenders
Antoni Gałecki
1GAME
CB
Edmund Giemsa
CB
Edmund Twórz
CB
Ewald Dytko
1GAME
CB
Wilhelm Góra
1GAME
RB
Władysław Szczepaniak
1GAME
LB
Midfielders
Ernst Wilimowski
1GAME4GOALS
CM
Erwin Nyc
1GAME
LM
Jan Wasiewicz
CM
Kazimierz Lis
CM
Ryszard Piec
1GAME
RM
Wilhelm Piec
CM
Forwards
Antoni Łyko
CF
Bolesław Habowski
CF
Ewald Cebula
CF
Fryderyk Scherfke
1GAME1GOAL
CF
Gerard Wodarz
1GAME
RW
Józef Korbas
CF
Leonard Piątek
1GAME
LW
Stanisław Baran
CF