In the 2026 World Cup qualifying tournament, the Ukrainian national team has two matches left to play: against France (November 13) and Iceland (November 16). To predict what we can expect in a month, the authoritative domestic coach Yuriy Vernydub has spoken.
— Yuriy Mykolayovych, how did you find the Ukrainian national team’s performance in the October matches?
— In the current situation, the quality of play takes a back seat. The main thing is that the maximum result was achieved in both matches, which, as they say, brought our team back into the game. Now it’s important to show a good attitude in November to have a chance to qualify for the World Cup.
— After the first two matches, only the lazy did not criticize the Ukrainian national team. Will victories over Iceland and Azerbaijan give our team confidence?
— Absolutely. It turns out that the criticism paid off. It’s good that the team reacted quickly, because any loss of points would have closed the path for the «blue-yellow» to the World Cup. Moreover, Ruslan Malinovskyi demonstrated excellent play after returning to the national team, acting as a true leader in the last two matches. Out of seven goals, three belong to the «Genoa» midfielder. Well done!
— What is your forecast for the final place of the Ukrainian national team in this qualifying tournament?
— Of course, everyone would like us to take first place, but in our group, there is France, whose remaining match schedule is a bit easier and they have a points handicap. I am confident that the Ukrainian national team can beat Iceland, which guarantees second place. If it were a different time, the result might be different. We shouldn’t forget that we live in a state of war. Our national team, like the clubs, does not have the opportunity to play international matches on their home field, which, I must say, gives a fair advantage to the opponents.
Therefore, I think the ticket to the World Cup will have to be earned through playoff matches. I really want Serhiy Rebrov and his charges to succeed.
Sergiy Demyanchuk