The moment of truth, the main match of this spring 2026 for the Ukrainian national football team, will soon come. On Thursday, March 26, at 21:45 Kyiv time, the match between the Ukrainian national football team and the Swedish national football team will take place for a place in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Below you can watch the online video broadcast of the previous match between Ukraine and Sweden and
The moment of truth, the main match of this spring 2026 for the Ukrainian national football team, will soon come. On Thursday, March 26, at 9:45 p.m. Kyiv time, the Ukrainian national football team will face the Swedish national football team for a place in the 2026 World Cup final.
Our Ukrainian team of athletes will meet in a fierce battle with Sweden in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. So will we be able to repeat the success of previous years and take a step towards the World Cup?
The battle for a place on the list of teams participating in the 2026 World Cup: why is this match decisive?
For Serhiy Rebrov’s team, this match is not just a game, but a real test for the spring after the players’ conspiratorial rest. The entire path of the national team in this qualification was difficult and now this is the last chance to stand out and against the selection. The semi-final of the play-offs leaves no room for error: either victory and the final step to the World Cup, or loss and a painful elimination before the very beginning, and waiting for the next World Cup.
Ukraine – Sweden: where to watch and what time it starts
The match will take place on Thursday, March 26. Kick-off is at 9:45 PM Kyiv time.
In Ukraine, the exclusive broadcaster is the media service Megogo .
As always, spectators can expect high tension and professional analysis from the referees in this match.
The pre-match studio will begin airing on sports TV channels an hour before the game, where experts will analyze tactical schemes and starting lineups.
Team status: leaders and losses
Who will win: Ukraine’s national team’s squad for the match against Sweden announced
Serhiy Rebrov’s coaching staff has decided on the list of players who will prepare for the decisive confrontation. The squad looks balanced, with strong representation from both the European top leagues and the domestic championship.
Goalkeeper position: Reliability and experience
The last line will be defended by proven players. The main contender for a place in the starting lineup remains Anatoliy Trubin from Lisbon’s Benfica. He will be competed against by Shakhtar’s Dmytro Riznyk and Dynamo’s young talent Ruslan Nescheret .
Defensive Line: From Paris to Zhytomyr
The defense of the “blue-yellows” is impressive in its geography. The center of defense will be cemented by the leader of the French PSG Ilya Zabarny . He will be assisted by the experienced Oleksandr Svatok (American “Austin”) and representatives of the Premier League – Vitaly Mykolenko (“Everton”) and Maksym Taloverov (“Stoke City”). The internal reserve is represented by players from “Shakhtar” ( Bondar, Konoplya ), “Dynamo” ( Tymchyk ) and an ambitious duo from Zhytomyr “Polissya” – Mykhailichenko and Krushynskyi .
Midfielder: The creative heart of the team
The central axis of the team looks as full as possible. The role of conductors will be taken on by Georgy Sudakov (Benfica), Ruslan Malinovsky (Genoa) and the leader of Girona Viktor Tsygankov . Yegor Yarmolyuk from Brentford will add an English accent to the game . A powerful contingent arrived from Dynamo Kyiv ( Shaparenko, Pikhalyonok, Voloshyn ), as well as representatives of Shakhtar ( Ocheretko ), Polissya ( Hutsulyak ), Turkish Trabzonspor ( Zubkov ) and Metalist 1925 ( Kalyuzhny ).
Attack: On the edge of attack
The goals against the Swedes will be scored by representatives of the leading European leagues: Vladislav Vanat , who now plays for Spanish club Girona, and the experienced Roman Yaremchuk from Olympique Lyonnais. Young Dynamo striker Matviy Ponomarenko will also get a chance to prove himself .
Reserve echelon
In case of unforeseen circumstances, a whole group of talented performers is on the “waiting list”. The largest representation here is “Polissya” ( Volynets, Chobotenko, Sarapiy, Nazarenko, Krasnopir ). Dynamo players Vivcharenko and Brazhko , the miner Nazaryn and the representative of Lviv “Karpaty” Oleksiy Sych are also ready to strengthen the main squad .
History of confrontations: the ghosts of Euro 2020
When we talk about football today in the context of “Ukraine – Sweden”, it is impossible not to remember the legendary match at Euro 2020. That unforgettable goal by Artem Dovbyk in the last minutes of extra time became a part of our football history. Today we expect no less heroism and dedication from the guys. The context of past victories gives us confidence, but Sweden will definitely seek revenge.
Who is the bookmakers’ favorite in the Ukraine – Sweden match?
By a minimal margin, but according to bookmakers, the Ukrainian national team will win the football match between Ukraine and Sweden to qualify for the 2026 World Cup at odds of 2.78, against 2.45 for Sweden to win .
In the event that the match results in a draw, bookmakers believe that the match will end with Ukraine winning on penalties.
Forecast from the author
As a sports commentator for “Ukrainian Information”, I expect a very cautious game from both sides in the first half. The fate of the ticket to the final will be decided in the details. My forecast is a minimum victory for Ukraine with a score of 2:1 . Our motivation and support of the fans (even near the screens) should become the same twelfth player.
FAQ: Briefly about the main things
- What time does the Ukraine vs Sweden match start? The game will start on March 26, 2026 at 21:45 Kyiv time.
- Where to watch football today? Live broadcast will be available on the Megogo media service and on the Futbol pay-TV channels.
- What is the format of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers? It is a single-match play-off stage. The winner advances to the final of their bracket, where they will play for a direct berth at the World Cup.
