The Ukrainian national football team is gearing up for a pivotal clash against Iceland in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The match, set to take place on Sunday, November 16th, at the Polish Army Stadium in Warsaw, is a must-win for Serhiy Rebrov's side.
High Stakes in Warsaw
With kick-off scheduled for 19:00 Kyiv time, the game holds immense significance for Ukraine's World Cup aspirations. A victory is crucial for securing a spot in the playoffs. Adding to the drama, Azerbaijan will host France in Baku in a parallel Group D fixture.
Current Group Standings
The current standings paint a clear picture of the competitive landscape:
- France – 13 points
- Iceland – 7 points
- Ukraine – 7 points
- Azerbaijan – 1 point
A Look Back at the Qualifying Campaign
Ukraine's journey so far has been a rollercoaster. They started with a defeat against France (0:2), followed by a draw with Azerbaijan (1:1). They then secured a victory against Iceland (5:3) and another against Azerbaijan (2:1), before falling to France again (0:4).
The Road to 2026
The qualification format for the 2026 World Cup will see 12 group winners advance to the playoffs. Four additional European spots will be determined through these playoffs.
Twelve teams will compete in the playoffs: the runners-up from each group, along with the four best Nations League group winners from 2024/25 who did not finish first or second in their groups.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to kick off on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, with the final taking place on July 19 in New York.
Rebrov's Urgency
Coach Serhiy Rebrov has emphasized the importance of securing a win against Iceland. He knows that a victory is essential to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
English referee Anthony Taylor will be in charge of officiating the match.