Ukraine vs. Belgium Match Highlights
In Bratislava, Slovakia, the opening match of the 2026 European Minifootball Championship group stage saw Ukraine deliver a dominant performance, defeating Belgium 4-0. This tournament brings together Europe’s best national minifootball teams, where players compete on a smaller pitch with modified rules. Vadym Ivanov struck twice, finding the net in the 4th and 12th minutes, while Andriy Tsopa added a goal in the 27th minute and Denys Blank sealed the win in the 28th minute.
Team Roster and Upcoming Fixtures
Head coach Oleksandr Bondar selected a squad featuring goalkeepers Yaroslav Morykishka and Myroslav Magurskyi, along with the following outfield players:
- Andriy Zahranychnyi
- Andriy Kovalchuk
- Stanyslav Hnatkovskyi
- Mykhailo Hrytsyna
- Vadym Ivanov
- Dmytro Sorokin
- Nikita Sinitsyn
- Captain Dmytro Klochko
- Serhiy Lapa
- Andriy Tsopa
- Ihor Tykhenko
- Oleksandr Kolesnykov
- Denys Blank
- Oleksandr Tarasiuk
- Artem Sokhatskyi
Ukraine’s next group stage match is against Turkey on May 29 at 3:30 PM Kyiv time. They will then face Serbia on May 30 at 10:15 PM Kyiv time. All matches will be broadcast on Kyivstar TV.
The Euro 2026 minifootball finals feature 24 teams divided into six groups of four. The top two from each group advance to the knockout stage, along with the four best third-placed teams. The round of 16 begins on June 1, with the final scheduled for June 4.
It is worth noting that Ukraine’s national football team recently lost 3-1 to Sweden in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup playoffs, with Ponomarenko scoring Ukraine’s only goal in the 90+1 minute.
Ukraine’s victory over Belgium marks a crucial step toward advancing from the group stage of the European Minifootball Championship. The win not only boosts team morale but also sets a positive tone for upcoming matches against Turkey and Serbia. The group standings will depend on results from other games, making every match vital for playoff qualification.
As Ukraine celebrates its impressive victory over Belgium, it's essential to remember the team's journey in international football. Reflecting on their past, the first match against Hungary 34 years ago serves as a reminder of how far they've come and the challenges faced along the way. This historical context adds depth to their current success and highlights the significance of their performance in the Euro 2026 Championship.