Today, October 9, ahead of the match against Iceland in Reykjavik for the 2026 World Cup qualifier, head coach of the Ukraine national team Serhiy Rebrov held a press conference.

— Coach Serhiy Stanislavovich, what is the current squad situation? Will Yarmoluk be ready?

— Unfortunately, Yegor will not be able to play tomorrow. He is recovering. We talked with the doctors and he will already be working in the main group the day after tomorrow. We hope that he will be ready for the next game against Azerbaijan. 

As for other players, unfortunately, there are many injuries. However, we have called up enough players who can replace the injured ones. I believe those who are currently in the squad should solve tasks both tomorrow and in the next match. 

— Iceland plays a physical game, knows how to defend but does not aim to play first fiddle. Considering this, what style will the national team choose for tomorrow's game — will they play with possession or wait?

— We'll see how the opponent plays. I don't think Iceland doesn't play with possession; with their new coach, they control the ball more and start attacks not just through long passes. We need to be prepared for this. I believe it's important from our side to demonstrate a more aggressive game compared to the last match — against Azerbaijan. Show that we want to win this game. I am confident in the boys. We have talked, and I see they want to rehabilitate themselves in the next two matches. So I hope there will be an entirely different Ukraine team tomorrow. 

— Is there a feeling of pressure from fans that only a win is needed tomorrow to qualify for the playoffs?

— I generally believe this pressure should always be there, the desire to play for victory. Wherever I worked — whether it was Dynamo or elsewhere — pressure is always present. I always tell players not to fear losing but to fear doing too little to win. 

You need to think about what you will show when you step onto the football field. If you have no complaints about yourself after the game... It's very important that we come out tomorrow and give everything for victory. And whatever the result is, we'll see.  

As a reminder, the 2026 World Cup qualifier match between Iceland and Ukraine will take place in Reykjavik on October 10 (kickoff at 8:45 PM Kyiv time).