Ukraine's national team learned its opponent in the 2026 World Cup playoffs: the first match against Sweden

Ukraine's first opponent in the World Cup 2026 playoffs

Ukraine has learned its first opponent in the playoff round for the 2026 World Cup - it is the national team of Sweden. If we manage to defeat them, we will face the winner of the Poland - Albania pair.

Playoff stage of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers

The draw for the playoff qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup took place in Zurich, where our national team was paired with Sweden.

Ukraine finished in second place in its group, where it played against France, Iceland, and Azerbaijan, earning 10 points over six rounds, thus advancing to the playoffs.

World Cup 2026 playoff

A total of 16 national teams made it to the playoffs, divided into four pots. Ukraine is in the first pot and will play against Sweden. If we win, we will meet the winner of the Poland - Albania match.

The match against Sweden will take place on March 26, 2026, and both playoff matches for Ukraine will be at home.

Ukraine made it into the first pot of the playoffs due to its FIFA ranking and favorable results in other groups. Rebrov's team ranked among the top four teams that finished second in other groups.

The matches will be broadcasted on the official FIFA website and Megogo. The semifinals of the qualifying round are scheduled for March 26, and the final - for March 31. The draw will determine the host of the match.

The Ukrainian national football team has learned its first opponent in the playoffs for the 2026 World Cup, which is the national team of Sweden. To qualify for the main tournament, the Ukrainians will need to defeat the Swedes and the winner of the Poland - Albania pair. The match against Sweden will take place on March 26, 2026, and both playoff matches for Ukraine will be held at home. Good luck to the Ukrainian footballers!