Ukraine v Sweden: where to watch and what you need to know about the most important match for the Ukrainian national team

A place at the World Cup will be decided in the match between Ukraine and Sweden, who are set to face off in a tense play-off where every mistake could prove fatal. Fans are in for a real football thriller with high stakes. Find out where to watch the match and what the teams’ chances are

Order Visit Ukraine branded merchandise and support Ukraine (worldwide delivery)

ORDER

The Ukraine national team is on the brink of one of the most crucial matches in recent years. In the semi-finals of the World Cup play-offs, Serhiy Rebrov’s side will face Sweden — an opponent that traditionally puts up a tough fight.

The match will take place on 26 March in Spain at the Estadio Ciutat de València. The kick-off is scheduled for 21:45 Kyiv time. Despite being played on neutral ground, this will effectively be a home game for the Ukrainians.

Where to watch Ukraine v Sweden

Ukrainian fans will be able to follow the match across several platforms. The broadcast will be available:

▪️ on the MEGOGO OTT platform

▪️ on the MEGOGO Sport TV channel (free-to-air)

▪️ on digital terrestrial TV (T2)

▪️ on cable networks

The match will be commentated by Vadym Skychko and Oleksandr Novak.

What’s at stake

The stakes of this encounter are a place in the World Cup qualifying play-off final. If Ukraine wins, they will play the decisive match on 31 March against the winner of the Poland v Albania tie.

For the Ukrainian national team, this is already their sixth attempt to qualify for the World Cup via play-offs. So far, none of the previous attempts have been successful, so the upcoming match is of particular importance.

Team form and the road to the play-offs

Ukraine comfortably progressed through the group stage, finishing second in a group featuring France, Iceland and Azerbaijan. The team demonstrated consistency and resilience even against strong opponents.

Sweden, however, failed to qualify directly, having been eliminated in their group. However, the team earned a chance via the Nations League, where they performed well and finished top of their group.

In the FIFA rankings, Ukraine is in 30th place, whilst Sweden is in 42nd position. However, the difference in rankings rarely plays a key role in such matches.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Absentees ahead of the match

Both teams are approaching the game with serious squad issues.

The following players will not feature for Ukraine due to suspension and injury:

— Yefim Konoplya

— Ruslan Malinovskyi

— Artem Dovbyk

— Oleksandr Zinchenko

— Mykola Matvienko

— Arseniy Batagov

— Taras Mykhavko

Sweden are also missing key players:

— Alexander Isak

— Dejan Kulusevski

— Emil Kraft

— Emil Holm

— Viktor Johansson

Who to watch

Despite the absences, Sweden’s squad still features dangerous players — Viktor Dekeres, Viktor Lindelöf, Anthony Elanga and other players from top leagues.

Ukraine, meanwhile, will have to rely on teamwork, discipline and tactical flexibility — qualities that have helped the ‘blue and yellows’ time and again in crucial matches.

Additional intrigue

For Ukraine’s head coach Serhiy Rebrov, this match could prove decisive. Should they fail, the pressure on the manager will increase significantly, and his future at the helm of the team will be called into question.

At the same time, a victory will pave the way for Ukraine to achieve a historic feat — their second-ever World Cup qualification. As a reminder, the Ukrainian national team played at the World Cup only once, in 2006, and reached the quarter-finals.

Support Ukraine in style!

Order patriotic merchandise on the Visit Ukraine portal — clothing and accessories that inspire and unite.

Reminder! In May 2026, Oleksandr Usyk will face kickboxing elite Rico Verhuven. Whilst experts are calling the bout a walkover, the Ukrainian is only stepping up his training. Find out the key details of his preparation and the specifics of the upcoming super-fight.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.