Ukraine's Women's National Team Under New Leadership
The Ukrainian Football Association has appointed Iya Andrushchak as the new head coach of the women's national team. She succeeds Volodymyr Pyatenko, who led the side from 2023 and guided them to promotion into League A of the Women's Nations League. This appointment marks a significant moment for Ukrainian football, bringing a former national team star to the helm.
Andrushchak, 38, is a former midfielder with extensive playing experience. Her club career included spells with Chernihiv's 'Legenda', Kharkiv's 'Zhytlobud-1', and Poltava's 'Vorskla'. During her time as a player, she won the Ukrainian championship five times and lifted the Ukrainian Cup on ten occasions. She also earned 58 caps for the national team between 2010 and 2021, scoring two goals.
A Pioneering Coaching Path
Prior to this national team role, Andrushchak took charge of the youth team at 'Vorskla' in autumn 2023. In a historic move in the summer of 2024, she became the first woman to lead a men's club in Ukrainian league history, beginning the 2024/25 season with 'Vorskla-2' in the Second League.
Andrushchak's first major task will be leading Ukraine in their 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying campaign within the Nations League. They have been drawn into a tough Group A3 alongside Spain, England, and Iceland. Their first match is scheduled for March 3, 2024, against England. Due to the ongoing war, the team will play their home matches at the Mardan Arena in Antalya, Turkey. This double-round group stage will conclude in mid-June, with the group winner securing a direct spot at the World Cup, while the bottom team will be relegated to Nations League Division B.
Commenting on her appointment, Andrushchak stated: 'Leading the national team is not just a new career stage; it's a huge challenge in many aspects. There was excitement, but it quickly turned into a working mood because there is little time before the first training camp.'
In related national team news, the men's side also faces crucial fixtures. On March 26, 2026, they are set to meet Sweden in a World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final. A victory would see them face the winner of the Poland vs. Albania tie. The men's team has already begun their qualifying journey with a 5-3 away win against Iceland.
Andrushchak's appointment is viewed as a pivotal step for the development of women's football in Ukraine. Her dual perspective as a former elite player and a pioneering coach is expected to positively influence the team's preparation for the demanding World Cup qualifiers. Facing such formidable opponents presents a significant challenge for the new coach but also a valuable opportunity to build team cohesion and develop young talent on the international stage.