Ukraine’s Hockey Team Stuns France with Comeback Win at 2026 World Championship

Ukraine Secures Thrilling Victory at 2026 Ice Hockey World Championship

According to Главком: Ukraine’s national hockey team claimed a crucial 3-2 victory over France on May 7 at the 2026 IIHF World Championship Division IA. This marks their second win in three tournament matches, strengthening their position in the standings. The game showcased a dramatic turnaround, with Ukraine rallying after losing an early two-goal lead.

Ukraine jumped out to a strong start in the first period, netting two goals. Hrebenyk opened the scoring at 5:43, followed by Merezhko doubling the lead at 10:08. France responded in the second period, leveling the score with goals from Bruche (22:02) and Boudreau (32:59). However, Trakht restored Ukraine’s advantage late in the period, scoring the decisive goal at 38:15.

The third period remained scoreless, sealing the 3-2 win for Ukraine. Head coach Dmytro Khrystych expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting their resilience and continued strong form in the tournament.

Upcoming Matches and Standings

On the same game day, Japan also notched a victory, defeating Lithuania 3-2 in overtime. Ukraine’s next match is scheduled for May 7 against Kazakhstan. In their previous game, Ukraine beat Lithuania with goals from Merezhko and Trakht.

Current standings in the 2026 Division IA are as follows:

• Kazakhstan leads with 6 points
• Ukraine also has 6 points but has played three matches
• France sits third with 5 points
• Poland is fourth with 4 points
• Japan is fifth with 2 points
• Lithuania is last with 1 point

Ukraine continues its push for top tournament positions, with the win over France underscoring the team’s progress as it aims to elevate its status in international hockey. The upcoming clash against Kazakhstan will be pivotal in determining Ukraine’s prospects moving forward.

As Ukraine's hockey team continues to build momentum in the tournament, their recent victory over France adds to the excitement surrounding their upcoming match against Kazakhstan. For those looking to understand the stakes of this pivotal showdown, bookmakers' insights on the match against France provide valuable context and predictions that could influence the dynamics of the competition.