Ukraine U-17 Falls to Latvia in Shocking Defeat
Ukraine's under-17 football team suffered a critical 2–3 loss against Latvia in their opening match of the second qualifying round for the 2026 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. The defeat has eliminated Ukraine from contention for the final tournament, marking a major setback for the squad. This result came as a surprise, given Ukraine's stronger historical performance in youth competitions.
In the match, played recently, Ukraine took an early lead when Adam Guram scored in the 11th minute. However, Latvia turned the game around in the second half. Mikelis Menniks equalized in the 53rd minute, and Devidas Baltrusaitis put Latvia ahead in the 65th. Although Oleh Dziurynts found the net again for Ukraine in the 48th minute, Latvia's Alex Shcherbinskis sealed the victory with a goal in stoppage time (90+6).
Group Standings and U-18 Team Updates
Coach Oleksandr Sytnyk's team now sits in third place in Group 6 of Division B. Ukraine will face Albania in their final group match on June 9, but they can no longer advance to the next stage. This early exit is a blow for a program that has shown promise in recent years.
Meanwhile, the Ukraine U-18 team is also active. They drew 1–1 with Norway in the second match of a friendly tournament in Croatia, following a 0–0 draw against Finland in their opener. Ukraine's U-18 squad will play Turkey on June 9 in their final tournament match.
The U-17 team's loss to Latvia highlights the challenges facing Ukrainian youth football on the international stage. Losing the chance to compete at Euro 2026 could affect the squad's development and the preparation of young players. In contrast, the U-18 team continues to gain valuable experience through friendly matches, which may benefit future competitions. The results of both teams underscore the need for continued improvement in international youth play.
The recent defeat of Ukraine's U-17 team has raised concerns about the future of youth football in the country. As they face the fallout from this loss, it's worth noting that the U-18 squad is currently competing in a friendly tournament in Croatia. Their latest match ended in a draw against Norway, showcasing the ongoing development of young talents in the national setup. For more details on their performance and upcoming challenges, visit the U-18 team's recent match report.