Rebrov’s pre-match message to the squad: what Ukraine’s coach told his players before facing Sweden.

Ukraine’s head coach shares his thoughts

According to Novyny.live: Serhiy Rebrov, the head coach of the Ukrainian national team, offered insights into how his side is preparing for their World Cup 2026 qualifying playoff against Sweden. Ukraine advanced to the semifinal round of the qualifiers after finishing second in Group D. This matchup marks a critical step in Ukraine’s bid to reach the World Cup for the first time in two decades.

Sweden, meanwhile, proved their strength by winning their Nations League group. This will be the sixth head-to-head meeting between Ukraine and Sweden. In past encounters, Ukraine has secured two 2-1 victories at the European Championships. Notably, Ukraine’s best World Cup performance came in 2006, when they reached the quarterfinals.

Determination to succeed

Serhiy Rebrov: 'This team has a strong desire to succeed, and I can see from the players that they really want to make it to the World Cup. I hope they give everything they have, their absolute maximum—that’s exactly what’s needed in the game against the Swedes.'

As a result, the clash with Sweden promises to be a tense and pivotal contest for both sides as they fight for a spot on the global stage.

The meeting between Ukraine and Sweden is more than just a sporting event—it symbolizes the Ukrainian team’s ambition to return to the world football scene. In a highly competitive international environment, success in this game could represent a major step toward achieving significant goals, such as qualifying for the World Cup.

The squad’s preparation and the players’ mindset, with everyone ready to give their all, may well decide the outcome of the match.