Poland overcome USA 3–1 to set up Wagner Memorial Final against France
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Poland continued their perfect start to the XXIII Hubert Jerzy Wagner Memorial on Saturday, defeating the United States 3-1 (22:25, 25:15, 25:20, 25:22) at Kraków’s TAURON Arena and booking their place in Sunday’s decisive match against France.
The victory was particularly significant given how recently the two teams had met. Just weeks earlier, Poland defeated the USA 3–2 in a dramatic VNL final in Ningbo, coming back from 1–2 down before winning the deciding tie-break. Saturday’s meeting once again produced a competitive contest, although this time Poland needed four sets to secure the victory.
The Americans made the stronger start, immediately putting pressure on Poland from the service line.
Jake Hanes was particularly effective in that department, helping the USA establish an early 11–7 advantage. Poland quickly fought their way back to 11–11, but the visitors responded with another strong serving run and regained control of the set.
Poland were unable to find a way back into the opener, as the USA maintained their advantage until the final points to take the first set 25–22.
The response from the hosts was emphatic.
After the teams traded points early in the second set, the match changed dramatically at 6–6. Szymon Jakubiszak stepped behind the service line and helped Poland produce a spectacular eight-point run, while Wilfredo León added further pressure with his blocking. Suddenly, Poland had opened up a commanding lead, and the Americans had no answer.
The hosts closed out the second set 25–15 to level the match and completely change its momentum.
The third set was much more balanced in its opening stages, with neither side able to establish a decisive advantage. Poland, however, gradually began to take control. Kewin Sasak provided important points in attack, while León once again made a difference from the service line. The Polish advantage grew to several points, giving the hosts the confidence and stability they needed to finish the set 25–20.
With Poland one set away from victory, the USA made another strong start to the fourth.
The Americans looked determined to force a decider, but Poland refused to let the match slip away. Aleksander Śliwka played a key role in bringing the hosts level at 9–9, after which Poland seized the initiative. From there, the home side remained in control and eventually closed out the set 25–22, completing another 3–1 victory.
The result gives Poland two wins from two matches in Kraków and sets up a final-day showdown with France.
The French also remain unbeaten after defeating Slovenia 3–1 earlier on Saturday, meaning Sunday’s meeting between Poland and France will decide the winner of the tournament.
For Poland, the Wagner Memorial is also an important opportunity to test themselves against elite opposition shortly before the World Championship.
“After two matches and nine sets played over the first two days, we have a lot of material to analyse,” Szymon Jakubiszak said. “We are happy that we managed to win both matches, and facing strong opponents, including some of the world’s best national teams, is very important for us at this stage of our preparation. It is always better to play against stronger opponents, but we do not underestimate anyone. Regardless of the opponent, we step onto the court with the same goal: to win.”
Śliwka is already looking ahead to what promises to be the tournament’s decisive encounter.
“On Sunday, we essentially have a final against France, one of the best teams in the world. We have played many important matches against them, with different results, so we approach this opponent with great respect,” the Polish outside hitter said. “The French have won both of their matches convincingly, but we hope that in this decisive game it will be us who come out on top.”
After another four-set victory over the USA, Poland will now have to overcome France if they are to finish the Wagner Memorial unbeaten and lift the trophy on home soil.
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Today’s Results | Saturday August 29, 2026
• 14.00 (Local Time) | France – Slovenia 3–1 (16:25, 25:21, 25:15, 25:21)
Slovenia: Bracko (18), Planisic (1), Pajenk (8), Marovt (13), Krzic (5), Sen (9), Okroglic (libero), Najdić (1).
France: Boyer (21), Tizi-Oualou (1), Gueye (10), Duflos Rossi (8), Pothron (12), Ramon (libero), Magnin (6).
• 17.00 (Local Time) | Poland – USA 3-1 (22:25, 25:15, 25:20, 25:22)
Poland: Sasak (12), Firlej (3), Majchrzak (13), Jakubiszak (6), Leon (9), Śliwka (11), Granieczny (libero), Bołądź (3), Komenda, Semeniuk (1), Szalpuk.
USA: Hanes (11), Ma’a (2), Jendryk (7), McHenry (6), Robinson (12), Russell (20), Briggs (libero), Garcia, Hartke (6), Rowan.
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