The Ukrainian women's youth team has returned from Bosnia and Herzegovina after participating in the first round of qualification for Euro-2026 (WU-19) in League L, where their opponents, besides the hosts, were teams from San Marino and Romania.

Head coach Oleg Bortnyk shared his impressions about the performance of his players on the official website of the UAF. Although they did not secure first place, they became the best among those who finished second in their groups and also improved their ranking:

— When the final whistle blew at the end of the last match against Romania, it was clear that a draw (0:0) would give them the first place based on additional criteria. It was very disappointing, and the girls did not hide their disappointment because we had more scoring opportunities.

But justice prevailed as the Ukrainian team became the best among those who finished second in their groups. And there was a celebration on our street! Because it would have been unfair if we didn't qualify for the elite division.

— Pre-tournament schedules showed that San Marino significantly lagged behind other participants. After our victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina (2:0) and Romania's win against San Marino (6:0), it was surprising to see the absence of five leading players in the second round match, although we needed a big score against the underdog...

— There is an explanation for this. In the match with Bosnia and Herzegovina, which took place under difficult weather conditions, there were many unnecessary falls. All our leaders received yellow cards, and if they had not avoided warnings in the game against San Marino, we would have lost players due to disqualifications in the decisive match against Romania. Therefore, we made changes to the lineup. We cannot say that the risk fully paid off because we did not beat Romania, but on the other hand, we kept our goal clean and were ultimately rewarded with a promotion to League A.

— In March, your players will participate in the second round of Euro-2026 qualification, only this time in League A. Should we expect reinforcements?

— On December 11, the draw for our next opponents will take place, and we will know who they are. Of course, they will be stronger, and we need to be prepared for that. As for changes, there will be some, but minimal. The Ukrainian team played in Bosnia and Herzegovina with an optimal lineup. So let's hope the girls won't stop at what they've achieved, continue progressing, and this will encourage more competition for a place in the starting line-up.

Euro-2026 (WU-19). First round qualification. Group V3

November 26, 2025

Bosnia and Herzegovina — Ukraine — 0:2

Romania — San Marino — 6:0

November 29, 2025

Ukraine — San Marino — 5:0

Romania — Bosnia and Herzegovina — 2:1

December 2, 2025

Ukraine — Romania — 0:0

San Marino — Bosnia and Herzegovina — 0:10

Final standings

It should be noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina, which automatically qualifies for the final tournament of the European Championship as a host nation, was allowed to play official matches within this stage.

The draw for the second round of Euro-2026 (WU-19) qualification will take place on December 11. Matches in this stage will run until April 22, 2026. Based on their results, seven teams (the winners of League A groups) will join Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final tournament, which will be held from June 27 to July 10.