11/17/25 – Ukraine scored 2 goals late in the second half to beat Iceland and secure 2nd place in Group play. Finishing in 2nd place means that Ukraine still has a chance to make the 2026 World Cup which will be held in USA/Canada/Mexico during the summer of 2026. Overall, Ukraine was playing very well but just could not get the ever so important goal to put them ahead. However, with time running out in the second half, and qualification looking bleak for Ukraine, Okeksandr Zubkov scored in the 83′ to send Ukrainian fans into a frenzy. Then, with Iceland pressing for the equalizing goal, Ukrainian forward Oleksii Hutsulak scored the insurance goal in extra time to seal the win and keep Ukraine’s World Cup hopes alive.
The FIFA draw recently held in Zurich place Ukraine in “Path 2” along with Sweden, Poland and Albania. Ukraine will play Sweden in March, 2026 while Poland will play Albania in the other semi-final match. The 2 winners will play each other to determine which team from “Path 2” qualifies for the 2026 World Cup.
