Coach Dmytro Mykhailenko's Reaction to the Euro 2026 U19 Draw
Dmytro Mykhailenko, head coach of Ukraine's U19 national team, has shared his thoughts on the results of the UEFA Under-19 Euro 2026 finals draw. Ukraine was placed into Group B, where they will face Croatia, Serbia, and Italy. The final tournament format features eight teams split into two groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. This tournament is a key showcase for Europe's top young football talent.
Assessing the Level of Competition and Group Favorites
Mykhailenko offered his assessment of the opponents' strength:
'All the teams are very evenly matched and very strong, but everything will depend on their preparation and the quality of their current generation. Overall, the group looks as balanced as it could be.'
He also identified the group favorites:
'There are favorites. First and foremost, that's Italy—a traditionally strong team at this level. Serbia is also worth noting: their current generation is considered one of their strongest in recent years. Many of their players command significant transfer fees and have serious high-level experience, including at top European clubs. We cannot claim the same, so Italy and Serbia should be considered the favorites,' the coach added.
Mykhailenko recalled that Ukraine previously met Serbia in the final stage of the U-17 European Championship in Cyprus, losing 1-2. 'We have already played against Serbia in the final stage of the U-17 European Championship in Cyprus. It was the opening match, and Ukraine lost 1-2. Many players from that Serbian squad, by the way, form the core of the Partizan team that defeated Oleksandriya in European competition,' Mykhailenko noted.
Group A for the UEFA Under-19 Euro 2026 finals consists of:
- Wales (host nation)
- Denmark
- Germany
- Spain
The Under-19 Euro 2026 promises to be a compelling tournament, with Ukraine set to compete against powerful sides boasting considerable international experience. Success in Group B will heavily depend on the physical and psychological readiness of the Ukrainian players. Fan support and lessons learned from past encounters could prove decisive in the battle for a semi-final spot.
As the excitement builds for the UEFA Under-19 Euro 2026, it's worth noting that Ukraine's women's handball team has also learned their opponents for the upcoming tournament. Competing against formidable teams like France, Poland, and the Faroe Islands, they will face a challenging path ahead. For more insights on their group dynamics and what to expect, check out our coverage of the women's handball team draw.