The head coach of the Ukrainian national football team, Serhiy Rebrov, commented on his team’s opening 0:2 loss to France in the first match of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to auraposter.pl.
Rebrov said the game was tough, as they were facing one of the top football nations with highly skilled players. The Ukrainian players tried to create opportunities, but there were too few to change the outcome. “Against such an opponent, even two or three chances are enough, but you have to convert them,” the coach noted.
The next match for Ukraine will be crucial. Rebrov emphasized that the team has already started preparing for the away game against Azerbaijan, scheduled for Tuesday, September 9. In the same round, France will host Iceland.
Regarding France’s performance, the Ukrainian coach noted that the team did not surprise anyone: they controlled the ball, quickly changed the pace and rhythm of the game, and their players displayed high speed. This created serious challenges for the Ukrainian defenders.
In another Group D match, Iceland defeated Azerbaijan 5:0 at home. The group winner will secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, while the second-place team will have a chance to advance through the playoffs.
The final tournament of the 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It will be the first World Cup featuring 48 teams; previously, from 1998 to 2022, the tournament included 32 teams.
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