Ihor Surkis Reveals Why Ukraine's National Team Fell Short Against Sweden.

Dynamo President Ihor Surkis Weighs In After Ukraine's Defeat

According to Novyny.live: Ihor Surkis, the president of FC Dynamo Kyiv, has shared his analysis of Ukraine's 3-1 loss to Sweden in the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs, outlining both the reasons for the failure and the external circumstances that shaped the outcome. The defeat ends Ukraine's hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup, closing the door on this qualification campaign.

External Pressures Take Their Toll on the Squad

The match against Sweden took place on March 26, 2026. Surkis emphasized that the team's struggles cannot be pinned solely on the coach or the players.

“You can't say only the coach is to blame, or only the players. Everyone is responsible—us as administrators, and the entire system. Football doesn't depend on one person,” he stressed.

The Dynamo president also addressed how the ongoing war in Ukraine has impacted the team's performance.

“We are at war. We can't play home games. If a match like the one against Sweden had been held in Kyiv or Lviv, I am certain we would not have lost it,” Surkis added.

Following the defeat to Sweden, Serhiy Rebrov's squad is set to play a friendly against Albania. This fixture will serve as a key opportunity to prepare for future challenges.

Ukraine's loss in the World Cup qualifying playoffs underscores the difficult circumstances facing the team, particularly the war at home. These challenges could have long-term effects on the squad's development and readiness for upcoming competitions. The friendly against Albania offers a chance to reassess strategy and make adjustments for the future, while the tense situation in Ukraine continues to weigh heavily.