The World Cup 2026 qualifying match between Iceland and Ukraine, held on November 16 in Poland, ended with a 2:0 victory for the Ukrainians. This result secured second place in the group for Ukraine and a ticket to the playoffs, leaving Iceland in third place, losing the chance for playoff matches.
Photo: REUTERSIcelandic media such as Vísir.is, Morgunblaðið Sport, RÚV Sport, and Fótbolti.net express disappointment over the missed draw, which would have been enough to advance to the playoffs, but acknowledge the deserved victory of Ukraine. The press praises Serhiy Rebrov’s tactical decisions, who took the risk of playing the second team against France and went all out in the match with Iceland, also emphasizing the likelihood that Ukraine could progress through the playoffs to the World Cup, as they will be in the first seed pot.
The overall mood can be described as a mix of disappointment, respect for the opponent, and analysis of why Iceland failed to hold the necessary result. Local journalists highlight the intense struggle. Vísir.is writes: «Iceland created several great moments in this match, but Trubin saved his team at the crucial moment. Ukraine responded with its own moments, two of which were successfully converted. The second goal was especially unpleasant, going into the goal off a deflection from a defender. Our goalkeeper just didn’t have time to react.»
Morgunblaðið Sport adds: «In the second half, Iceland lost freshness after a tough win in Azerbaijan, while Ukraine managed to score with Zubkov’s efforts. Rebrov’s substitutions worked, refreshing the game effectively, and Hutsulyak played a decisive role in this victory. Our players also created good moments near Trubin’s goal, but luck turned away from Iceland.»
RÚV Sport notes: «Ukraine’s second goal — a deflection off a defender that disoriented the goalkeeper, but this doesn’t negate their deserved victory. We fought, but ran out of strength in the end.» Fótbolti emphasizes: «Iceland didn’t just sit back in defense, trying to win, but Ukraine was more efficient — 2 goals and several more great moments.»
«Disappointment, but without panic.» Icelandic journalists acknowledge Ukraine’s advantage. A journalist from Vísir.is writes: «We knew Ukraine was stronger, and they proved it. Rebrov put everything on this game and won.» Morgunblaðið Sport adds: «A draw would have sufficed, but misfortune haunted us in both matches against Ukraine — deflections, missed opportunities.» RÚV Sport praises Rebrov: «He took the risk with the second team against France and was right — a fresh team defeated us deservedly.» Fótbolti.net writes: «Iceland showed character, but lacked freshness in the second half. Ukraine deserved second place, and we squandered our chance to play in the World Cup.»
Icelandic media praise Rebrov and the team. Vísir.is notes: «Rebrov tactically outplayed Iceland again: he decided to sacrifice the match with France and won against Iceland. Ukraine is a strong team, capable of achieving a lot in the playoffs.» Morgunblaðið Sport adds: «Their attack was relentless, the score could have been even higher. A well-deserved victory for Ukraine and second place.» RÚV Sport concludes: «Ukraine showed class, but Iceland fought honorably. We wish them luck in the playoffs — they deserve it.»
Icelandic media see a lesson in the match. Vísir.is predicts: «This is the end of the qualifying cycle, but the team showed progress. It’s necessary to continue believing in success, which was so close.» Morgunblaðið Sport adds: «Defeat is a bitter experience, but Ukraine was better than Iceland, both in this match and throughout the qualifying tournament. Now we need to prepare for the next qualifying tournament.»
