SOC servicemen and children of fallen and missing heroes witnessed a convincing victory for Ukraine's national team over Iceland (2:0) in the qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

A visit to Poland by 120 Ukrainians was made possible thanks to cooperation between the Special Operations Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Association of Veterans of SOC, the Ukrainian Football Association, the Association of Football Veterans in Ukraine, and the Sobczak Family Charity Fund. Units select their most honorable members—those who courageously defend the country every day—and the trip becomes a rest and motivation to continue service.

Motivation for the National Team

“I go to serve” is a well-known slogan of Special Operations Forces. But equally important is that SOC is a large friendly family where no one is left alone in the most difficult times.

Military personnel and children visited the national team's pre-match training, saw the final preparations for the match, and spoke with President of the UAF Andriy Shevchenko, head coach of the national team Serhiy Rebrov, and players.

The story for children continued the next day: boys and girls led out players from Ukraine's national team and Iceland onto the field, lined up under the roar of the crowd to sing the National Anthem of Ukraine. Perhaps it was the children’s positive energy and sincerity that added strength to the national team at the end of the game to tip the scales in their favor. And photos with the best players will become a special memory in family archives.

In addition to football, participants had an informative excursion program in Warsaw.

Hat-trick Against Poland

The day before the game between Ukraine and Iceland, a significant match took place. A combined team of veterans from Ukraine's national team and special forces faced off against a star-studded Polish squad.

Among the Ukrainians were well-known players such as Yevhen Seleznyov, Artem Fedetskyi, Andriy Donchak, Yuriy Pankiv, Andriy Khomenko, and Valeriy Fedorchuk. They were joined by quick and agile young men from various units of SOC. The team was colorful, interesting, and genuinely charged up. Poland's side was led by the well-known Ukrainian fan favorite Robert Lewandowski, who invited players with experience at high levels.

Before the game, First Vice President of the UAF Artem Stoyanov addressed its participants. A SOC soldier, Mykola Kobylinsky with call sign Enyeko, presented organizers Veronika Marchuk and Mykhailo Shpakovskyi with a message of gratitude from SOC Commander Oleksandr Tretyak, also expressing thanks to the Polish side for their constant support of Ukraine.

Attention then shifted to the football field. All players had an opportunity to play and feel a much-needed charge after combat days. Yevhen Seleznyov confirmed his goal-scoring prowess, netting a hat-trick. The match ended with a score of 3-1 in favor of Ukraine.

Powerful Support

At all home matches this fall for the World Cup qualification, Ukraine's national team received support from military personnel. Gathering in a section, SOC fighters sincerely cheered on Serhiy Rebrov’s wards, and the end of the match became the true climax of football autumn.

Overall, our brave heroes had an opportunity to rest, feel peaceful life, play football, and hear words of gratitude from legends of Ukrainian sports.

An officer of the Armed Forces, President of AVFU Oleg Sobczak could not be present at events in Warsaw due to military duties but made every effort to ensure everything went off without a hitch.

"The cooperation between UAF, SOC, and AVFU has been successful—our military were present at all three matches," Oleg Sobczak said. "Thanks to the comprehensive support of Andriy Shevchenko, everything went wonderfully well. Most importantly—to see the smiles on children's faces and gratitude from military personnel for defending and preserving the country. For the future, there are many plans for rehabilitation of servicemen and organizing friendly matches. People who make it possible for football to continue in Ukraine deserve the highest attention and support."