Ukraine beats Iceland to reach play-offs in 2026 World Cup qualifiers

Serhii Rebrov’s team defeated Iceland 2:0 in Warsaw, Poland, and will advance to the play-off stage of the qualifiers, according to Ukrinform.

The goals at the Polish Army Stadium were scored by Oleksandr Zubkov in the 83rd minute and Oleksii Hutsuliak in stoppage time (90+3).

In another Group D match in Baku, Azerbaijan lost to France 1:3.

Final standings: France – 13 points, Ukraine – 10, Iceland – 7, Azerbaijan – 1.

From the European qualifying group stage for the 2026 World Cup, 12 group winners will qualify directly. Another four spots for Europe will be determined in March next year through play-off matches involving 16 teams. The play-offs will include the 12 second-placed teams from the groups, as well as the four best winners of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League who did not finish first or second in their qualifying groups.

The 23rd FIFA World Cup final stage will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Photo: UAF