Today, on November 16 in Warsaw at the "Legia" stadium, Ukraine's national team played their sixth qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup — against Iceland.

Compared to the previous game against France (0:4), Serhiy Rebrov made significant changes to the starting lineup. Only three players started again from the beginning of the second half.

Photo: Dan Balashov

In the final group stage match for qualification to the knockout round, a victory was absolutely necessary for Ukraine. So they immediately went on the attack and played aggressively from the start. However, truly dangerous moments only began to arise in the middle of the first half. On the 24th minute, Kaluzhnyi intercepted the ball in midfield, leading to a swift counterattack. Tsygankov cut inside from the right flank into the center and unleashed a powerful shot — but Iceland's crossbar saved them.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Later, Zubkov twice had dangerous shots from the penalty area but both times he was over the bar. Overall in the first half, Ukraine took seven shots on goal, none of which found the target. Iceland relied heavily on set pieces and earned four corners, but Trubin and his teammates were vigilant and error-free in defense.

Photo: Dan Balashov

In the second half, Ukraine continued to press Iceland's goal. Vanat had a great chance but failed to make proper contact in the final phase of an attack. Zubkov, Malinovskyi and Tsygankov all had dangerous shots. The opponent switched to low block tactics, often just clearing their lines.

Substitutions made by Ukraine's coaching staff after halftime added impetus to the attacks. First, Yaremchuk twice shot from inside the penalty area (first with his head and then with his foot) following a cross from Tsygankov — but Iceland's goalkeeper saved both shots. However, soon enough a set piece proved successful. Gutsulak headed in a corner kick from close range to the far post, and Zubkov scored without hesitation — 1:0! 

Photo: Dan Balashov

Despite Iceland's attempts to equalize, Ukraine not only defended confidently but also managed to double their lead. In stoppage time, Gutsulak capitalized on a pass from Kaluzhnyi and powerfully shot from inside the penalty area — 2:0! Ukraine won against Iceland for the second time in this qualifier, with ten points after six group stage matches, securing the second spot and qualifying to the knockout round.

Photo: Dan Balashov

The draw for the knockout stage will take place on November 20, and matches will be played in March 2026.

World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. European Zone. Group D

Ukraine — Iceland — 2:0 (0:0)

Goals: Zubkov (83), Gutsulak (90+3).

Ukraine: Trubin, Konoplia, Zabarnyi, Matviyenko (c), Mykolenko, Kaluzhnyi, Tsygankov (Nazaryna, 87), Malinovskyi (Gutsulak, 77), Yarmoluk (Shaparenko, 69), Zubkov (Svatok, 87), Vanat (Yaremchuk, 69).

Substitutes: Volynets', Ryznyk, Bondar, Voloшин, Karavaev, Mykhavko, Mykhailichenko.

Coach: Serhiy Rebrov.

Iceland: Olafsson, Palsson, Ingasson, Magnusson, Elertsson (Tomasson, 86), Jóhannesson, Gárðarsson (c) (Gudmundsson, 65), A. Gudmundsson, Villumsson (J. Gudmundsson, 86).

Substitutes: Valdimarsson, Einarsson, G. Thorardsson, B'jaraksson, Baldursson, Glinsason, Gretarsson, S. Thorardsson, Gunnarsson.

Coach: Arnar Gunnlaugsson.

Yellow cards: Malinovskyi (75), Konoplia (85) — Jóhannesson (45+1).

Referee: Anthony Taylor (England).

November 16. Warsaw. "Legia" Stadium.

Azerbaijan — France — 1:3

Final Standings