‘We have to do something for our people’: Ukraine nurture World Cup dream
Ukraine’s national football team, displaced by Russia’s invasion, faces Sweden in a World Cup playoff in Valencia. Manager Serhiy Rebrov and his squad must overcome injuries and a lack of home support to secure a historic qualification. The match also marks a symbolic moment of resilience for Ukrai…
Ukraine’s national team has been a nomad for the past four years, playing home matches in cities such as Lodz, Prague, Leverkusen, Wroclaw, Warsaw, Krakow, Murcia, Poznan and Trnava. Since Russia’s full‑scale invasion in February 2022, the squad has been unable to play in Kyiv, the city that once hosted their training camps and matches. Now, in a bid to reach the 2026 World Cup, the team must travel to Valencia, Spain, for a playoff against Sweden on Thursday night at Levante’s Estadi Ciutat de Valencia.
Why Valencia Matters
Valencia offers a neutral venue that can accommodate the large Ukrainian diaspora and international fans. Approximately 20,000 supporters are expected to fill the stadium, providing a morale boost that would be impossible to replicate on foreign soil. The match is the first step toward a potential World Cup appearance, a dream that has eluded Ukraine since their last qualification in 2006.
Managerial and Player Challenges
Serhiy Rebrov, a former player who led Ukraine to the quarter‑finals in 2006, now manages a squad that is missing key figures. Striker Artem Dovbyk is out for the season after thigh surgery, while defender Oleksandr Zinchenko suffered a torn ACL just weeks after joining Ajax. Veteran players Ruslan Malinovskyi and Yukhym Konoplya are suspended for the match and will only return for the final against Poland or Albania. These absences force Rebrov to rely on depth and resilience.
Despite these setbacks, the Ukrainian team has shown a remarkable ability to adapt. Their journey to Euro 2024, where they narrowly lost to Wales in the group stage, proved that they can compete at the highest level even when playing away from home. Rebrov has expressed confidence that the players will “fight on the pitch, show character, and do everything to be there.”
Sweden’s Perspective
Sweden, managed by Graham Potter, entered the playoff after a disappointing regular qualifying campaign. The team’s survival in the Nations League earned them a lifeline, but injuries to key players Alexander Isak, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall have weakened the squad. Potter, who extended his contract until 2030, views the playoff as a “unique situation” that tests the team’s resilience. He plans to focus on defensive solidity and set‑piece efficiency, hoping to counter Ukraine’s physicality.
Sweden’s recent history against Ukraine includes a dramatic last‑16 defeat at Hampden Park in Euro 2020, where Artem Dovbyk scored the winning goal in extra time. Victor Lindelöf, who played for Sweden at that match, described the night as “one of the worst” for him. The upcoming playoff could carry similar emotional weight for both sides.
Beyond the Match: Cooperation and Solidarity
When the two teams agreed to meet, they also initiated a dialogue that will culminate in a long‑term cooperation agreement signed in Valencia. The agreement includes the donation of football equipment to Ukrainian schools, symbolising a broader partnership beyond the pitch. Rebrov emphasized that the players understand they are playing not just for themselves, but for their country and its people.
For Ukraine, a World Cup berth would be a powerful statement of resilience and hope. The nation’s population, facing ongoing conflict, will watch the match from home and abroad, finding solidarity in the team’s fight. For Sweden, a win would restore pride after a shaky qualifying season and offer a chance to redeem past defeats.
As the clock ticks toward kickoff, both teams prepare to give their all. The outcome will determine whether Ukraine can finally step onto the world stage after a decade of absence, and whether Sweden can turn a precarious situation into a triumph.
What Happens Next?
Should Ukraine win, they will advance to the playoff final against Poland or Albania, with the chance to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup. If they lose, the dream will remain elusive for this generation. The match’s result will also influence the future of the cooperation agreement and the support that continues to flow from the international community to Ukraine.
Why it matters
Ukraine’s qualification would symbolize national resilience amid conflict, while Sweden’s performance could redefine its footballing trajectory after a turbulent season.
Key points
- Ukraine has played home matches in 10 European cities since 2022
- Manager Serhiy Rebrov faces key player absences
- Sweden’s squad is weakened by injuries to Isak, Kulusevski and Bergvall
- Both teams are entering a playoff that could shape their future
- A cooperation agreement will be signed in Valencia
- The match offers hope for Ukraine’s people and a chance for Sweden to redeem itself
Frequently asked questions
Where will the Ukraine vs Sweden playoff take place?
The match will be held at Estadi Ciutat de Valencia in Spain.
Why can’t Ukraine play in Kyiv?
The Russian invasion has made it unsafe and impossible for the team to host matches in Ukraine.
What is the significance of the cooperation agreement?
It formalises long‑term support, including football equipment donations to Ukrainian schools.
