Ukrainian national team goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk shared his thoughts with «vZbirna» on the World Cup 2026 qualifiers against France and Iceland.
— Crucial matches against France and Iceland are ahead. Is the team feeling tension or focus?
— I would say complete focus. Yes, there is some tension, but it is work-related. We understand that we need to focus on our game and execute what the coach requires of us.
— Karavayev has returned to the team. Who is the leader in the locker room now?
— We don’t have individual «leaders.» We are all together — one team, one collective. Everyone supports each other.
— What is Sergei Rebrov’s main message right now?
— That everything depends solely on us. The result is in our hands and feet. If we give our all on the field — everything will work out.
— New faces are constantly appearing in the team. How do you help newcomers adapt?
— We have a warm atmosphere. New guys are not from the street, most are from the «youth team.» They are well-received and quickly integrated.
— How do you relax after intense matches?
— The best relaxation is family. And sometimes I play Counter-Strike. It helps to distract.
— What was the last movie or series you watched?
— «Lupin.» Really liked it, by the way, it’s about France.
— Did you have a chance to explore France a bit?
— Yes, on the first day upon arrival, we walked with the guys, looked around the city. It’s very beautiful.
— With whom would you like to swap lives for one day — not a footballer?
— Probably with Donald Trump (laughs). I would immediately sign a lend-lease and shake things up!
— Which national team call-up do you remember the most?
— The first one. I played for the «youth team» at «Obolon Arena,» and after the game they said, «You’re going to the national team.» It was incredible.
— How do you feel about the competition among goalkeepers?
— Completely calm. It’s normal. If you’re not playing — you need to work even harder. We are friends, joke, and support each other.
— France is ahead. How do you prepare for such an opponent?
— The main thing is emotionally. It’s practically the final of the qualifiers. We need to be as prepared as possible. France has top-level players, but we have our own goals, too.
— How to stop Mbappe?
— Only with team actions. He is a player who can decide a match on his own, so we need to act cohesively in defense.
— Psychologically, which match is more difficult — with France or Iceland?
— We’ll see by the result. If everything goes well with France, then it will be easier with Iceland. But it all depends on psychology.
— How many points are needed for the playoffs?
— I don’t know exactly, but we are aiming for the maximum.
— And what would you like to say to the fans before these matches?
— Support us and believe until the end. We will do everything to give you positive emotions.