Lech Poznań begins the 2026/27 Polish Cup season as the main favorite for the trophy. Analysis by the outlet Weszło indicates the Poznań-based team has about a 25% chance of winning the cup, putting them at the top of the list ahead of other Ekstraklasa clubs.

What does the Polish Cup bracket look like?

The first round of the domestic cup starts on Tuesday, but Lech Poznań, along with Jagiellonia Białystok, Raków Częstochowa, Górnik Zabrze, and GKS Katowice, has a bye and will only join the competition from the round of 16. The first round features teams from lower leagues, including eleven sides from the third tier. Among them are Górnik Polkowice, MKS Kluczbork, Siarka Tarnobrzeg, Wigry Suwałki, Wikęd Luzino, Polonia Środa Wielkopolska, Kluczevia Stargard, Chemik Bydgoszcz, and the reserve teams of Widzew Łódź, Wisła Płock, and Korona Kielce.

Fourth-tier teams that won their regional cups last season also advanced to the main tournament – Beskid Andrychów and Sokół Ostróda. An interesting participant is Górnik II Zabrze, which currently does not play in any league but qualified by winning the Silesian district cup. They will play Olimpia Grudziądz at Arena Zabrze at 16:00. The cup draw is unseeded, meaning teams from the same level can meet early, and Ekstraklasa reserve sides with higher-level players can participate.

Who plays in the first round?

The first-round schedule is packed with many interesting matches. On September 1st at 20:30, Motor Lublin will face Legia Warsaw. Most matches are scheduled for September 2nd. Wikęd Luzino plays Wisła Płock at 14:30, and Górnik Polkowice faces Polonia Warszawa at 16:00. On the same day at 16:00, Beskid Andrychów meets Śląsk II Wrocław, and Górnik II Zabrze plays Olimpia Grudziądz.

Later matches on September 2nd include: Górnik Łęczna vs. Stal Mielec (17:00), Znicz Pruszków vs. Cracovia (17:30), Lechia Zielona Góra vs. Ruch Chorzów (18:00), Sokół Ostróda vs. Sokół Kleczew (19:00), Miedź Legnica vs. Chrobry Głogów (19:00), and Resovia vs. Arka Gdynia (19:05). In the evening, Widzew Łódź plays Korona Kielce (20:30). The final first-round matches are on September 3rd: Avia Świdnik vs. Wieczysta Kraków (14:30), GKS Tychy vs. ŁKS Łódź (17:30), and Śląsk Wrocław vs. Pogoń Szczecin (20:30). The match between Widzew II Łódź and Polonia Bytom is scheduled for September 15th at 15:00.

What are Lech Poznań's chances?

Lech Poznań enters the cup competitions in excellent league form. In the Ekstraklasa, they currently sit in second place with 10 points, from three wins and one draw in four matches. The team has scored eight goals, conceding only three, for an impressive +5 goal difference. Lech is just two points behind league leaders Legia Warszawa, showcasing their high level of performance. Lech's next league match is on December 17th away against Wisła Płock, who are 16th in the table. The current position and statistics can be followed on our stats page and in the league standings.

This good run translates into high cup expectations. According to Weszło, Lech's chance of winning the Polish Cup is estimated at around 25%. Jagiellonia Białystok has a probability of about 20%. The combined chance that someone other than these two clubs wins the trophy exceeds 50%. Among other contenders with good chances are Górnik Zabrze, GKS Katowice, and Raków Częstochowa, who, like Lech, skipped the first round.

What does winning the Polish Cup give?

The reward for the winner is very concrete – a guaranteed place in the final qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. For Polish clubs, including Lech Poznań, Jagiellonia, Raków, or Legia, this would mean seeded status in those draws. The final, traditionally held at the National Stadium, is a major event and a reward for all participants – from small local clubs to the biggest brands in Polish football. For Lech Poznań, currently building momentum for future challenges, cup success would be an ideal complement to their good league form. Details of the squad tasked with achieving this can be found on the squad page.