In the 2026 World Cup qualifying tournament, the Ukrainian national team has two matches left: against France on November 13 and Iceland on November 16. Former head coach of the country’s main team Myron Markevych predicted what we can expect in a month.
Myron Markevych— Myron Bohdanovych, the Ukrainian national team has two matches left in the 2026 World Cup qualifier. What’s your forecast for Serhiy Rebrov’s team’s final position?
— There are three options (smiles). But I believe we can realistically secure second place.
— In France, it will be difficult to take points from the hosts, let alone win?
— The French, having drawn with Iceland, have somewhat revived the intrigue in our group. Anything can happen in football. But if we look at things realistically, Didier Deschamps' team seems stronger than Ukraine, Iceland, and certainly greater than Azerbaijan.
— So, the match of the year for us will take place in Warsaw?
— Yes. Everything will be decided for the Ukrainian national team in the last round in the clash against Iceland.
— Can Azerbaijan spoil the nerves of the French and the Icelanders?
— Why not? After all, they spoiled our mood in September. I think Azerbaijanis are capable of giving Iceland a fight on their turf. Based on the current situation in the group, the Ukrainian national team is obliged to secure second place and advance to the playoffs.
Sergii Demianchuk
