The Ukrainian national football team is gearing up for what could be a challenging but exciting journey to the 2026 World Cup. Following a crucial draw, the team, led by coach Sergei Rebrov, will face off against formidable opponents France, Iceland, and Azerbaijan in qualifying group D.
According to experts from the analytical portal Football Meets Data, the chances for Ukraine to directly qualify for the World Cup sit at a modest 17%. However, there is a considerably more optimistic 67% chance that they could make it through the playoffs. This scenario appears to be their most likely path forward, underscoring the pressure that will rest on the team in their upcoming matches.
As they prepare for the qualifiers, the Ukrainian side must first contend with France, hailed as the main contender in group D. With an impressive 82% probability of finishing first, France poses a significant challenge. The first qualifying match for Ukraine will take place on September 5, 2025, against France, followed by another vital match against Azerbaijan on September 9, 2025.
Rebrov's squad is acutely aware of the stakes as they step onto the pitch. Their recent performances, especially a disheartening 3:0 defeat to Belgium in the League of Nations, have raised questions about their readiness to tackle top-tier competition. Rebrov remarked earlier that the team struggled under pressure during the matches against Belgium, which will only add urgency to their preparation.
In terms of historical context, Ukraine has a diverse track record against its qualifying opponents. Out of the total 12 encounters with France, Ukraine has managed a few memorable moments, including a significant 2:0 victory during the 2014 World Cup playoffs. However, the team also experienced a painful defeat to the same team in 2020, with France dealing Ukraine its heaviest loss in history, a staggering 1:7.
Looking at Iceland, the Ukrainian team shares a history of mixed results. Throughout their five matches against Iceland, Ukraine has occasionally faltered, but they did secure a crucial win in the playoff match for Euro 2024, demonstrating their ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments.
Interestingly, Azerbaijan presents a unique case. The two sides have only faced once before in a friendly match back in 2006, which ended in a stalemate. This suggests that while Azerbaijan may not have a robust competitive history against Ukraine, there remains a heavy expectation for Ukraine to perform well in their upcoming match.
As the team looks ahead, Anatoliy Trubin, the Ukrainian goalkeeper, shared insightful thoughts about their chances. He expressed a desire to overcome France in the qualifiers but acknowledged that mental readiness would be crucial. “This is our mindset,” Trubin commented, highlighting his belief that the team can surmount challenges if they harness the right mentality.
With qualifiers just around the corner, the path to the 2026 World Cup is fraught with challenges for the Ukrainian national team. The delicate balance between expectation and pressure will demand exceptional performances from every player, as the upcoming matches will ultimately cement their fate for the tournament.
Fans are eagerly waiting to see how the team performs against its esteemed opponents and whether they can secure a place in the World Cup, given the high stakes involved. The Ukrainian team has the support of a passionate fanbase behind them, awaiting achievements on the international stage. As the season approaches, the anticipation continues to grow, with hopes that the team can deliver a tournament to remember.
