Former footballer of Lviv’s «Karpaty» Yurii Benyo shared his thoughts on the prospects of the Ukrainian national team in the play-offs of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Let us remind you that in the semi-finals of this stage, the «blue-yellows» will play against the Swedish national team, and if successful, they will face the winner of the Poland-Albania pair in the final.
— What are our chances against Sweden?
— If we speak now, it seems there are chances. But let’s look at the squad, which players are playing for them. They had an unsuccessful initial cycle, but now they changed their coach and have had 2−3 months.
If we played with them now, there would be more chances, I believe. But over time, the new staff will have analyzed what they managed, what they didn’t, and will have time to prepare differently.
And the fact that they have very high-level players, we can see for ourselves, because they play for some of the best teams — both English and foreign. Therefore, it will be very, very difficult for us. I believe that in terms of players, they are one of the strongest opponents we’ve faced at this stage.
— What should Rebrov’s staff focus primarily on regarding the Swedes?
— I think the coaching staff will primarily rely on the players we have at that moment in the squad. It is clear that more attention will need to be paid to their attacking potential, because very high-level players play there, individually very strong. So it is understandable that they will need to be neutralized first — this will be the main task.
But first of all, probably the key players of the national team will need to be in optimal condition, without injuries. If that happens at the time, then we will, in principle, have equal chances, I believe.
— We have a logistical dilemma: if we reach the final, we potentially have a match against Poland. You, in fact, also work in Poland now. What is your opinion on this matter? And what do the Poles around you say about it? Should we play in Poland or elsewhere?
— They are all waiting, they want us to proceed. Everyone is hoping that Poland will pass Albania, we will pass Sweden, and then meet and determine who will be stronger. Such expectations exist, support exists, and there is cheering for our national team. Perhaps they do this because they believe the Swedes are a stronger team.
— Should these matches be played in Poland, where we played the qualifiers? Because Rebrov, for example, has already said it’s not normal. And the Poles, in turn, hope that they can come to an agreement with us.
— Well, yes, because essentially you’re playing your national team’s most important match away, even having the advantage. Although we understand that Ukraine’s advantage is conditional now, because all matches are played away.
Although it seems to me that even if we play that match in Slovakia, or in the Czech Republic, or in Germany, there will be no fewer Poles at that match because these countries are nearby, and getting to that match is not a problem now.
Clearly, it will be entirely different in Poland. Therefore, if, God willing, we pass the Swedes, it’s better to play somewhere more neutral for the opponent. On the field, after all, we are competitors.
We understand how the Poles relate to Ukrainians with their help, indeed, they always meet us halfway — both in European cups and national team matches. And we are grateful to them for this. But this is a sporting contest.
— How would you evaluate the overall play-off path concerning the chances we’ll see Ukraine at the World Cup in June?
— It’s very difficult to give chances now because the matches will be only in March. It all depends on who will be in top form, in what condition they will be, and whether all key players will play. It’s football, anything can happen. Football is the most traumatic sport; it all depends on that.
If we were to play the Swedes in 2 weeks, so to speak — this could be advantageous for us, and it would be different. Especially since we are now on a good emotional background. But what will happen in 3 months — it is hard to say.
They have very skilled players. They recently had a challenging period, but now there is an entirely new coach. Let’s say, the Swedes were waiting for this period to end to get some air, to reconfigure, analyze, and change something — they lacked that. And now this break will only benefit them.