Poland FIFA World Cup 2022 warm-up moved after crack found at stadium

An annual check-up recently revealed a growing crack in one of the metal structures that support the roof of the National Stadium.

Poland, featuring captain Robert Lewandowski as the team’s talisman in attack, opens its World Cup Group C campaign against Mexico on November 22 | Photo Credit: AFP

Poland’s final warmup game ahead of the World Cup will not be held at the National Stadium as planned due to a construction defect.

Poland’s Football Association said the game with Chile on Wednesday will be moved to the Legia Warsaw Stadium.

Sports minister Kamil Bortniczuk said on Saturday that the National Stadium’s architects and builders have advised the immediate closure of the venue because it requires urgent repairs.

An annual check-up recently revealed a growing crack in one of the metal structures that support the roof. Experts will come up with repair plans on Monday, Bortniczuk said.

Poland, featuring captain Robert Lewandowski as the team’s talisman in attack, opens its World Cup Group C campaign against Mexico on November 22. It then plays Saudi Arabia four days later before taking on Argentina on Nov. 30.

Chile failed to qualify for the World Cup.