The National Team of Ukraine in the first match of qualification to the World Cup-2026 gave way to France (0: 2). By and large, there was nothing unexpected here – we predicted such a result, and the rest – there were already fruits of our bold imagination.

In the context of the struggle for getting into the mundial, the next four matches will be much more important to us, as a result of each of which any other score, except as possible, can be safely considered unsatisfactory. We start with Azerbaijan. And the worst thing about this is the match factor on the rivalry field, where it is still necessary to fly for a darling for hours.

But no excuses-the team of Sergiy Rebrov should take three points at any cost in the match against the opponent, which in the first round was defeated from Iceland (0: 5). Interestingly, to fly back to the homeland of Azerbaijan, after that much longer than for us. And the time to recover from both teams was the same number.

So, on the eve of an important meeting with Azerbaijan, we traditionally invite you to fantasize and choose the future starting composition of the Ukrainian national team and check your option with the choice of Football.ua.

The application of the national team of Ukraine Goalkeepers: Georgy Buschan (Al-Shabab, Saudi Arabia), Anatoly Trubin (Benfica Lisbon, Portugal), Dmitry Raznik (Shakhtar Donetsk).

Defenders: Ilya Zabarn (Paris Saint-Germain Paris, France), Alexander Swattok (Austin, USA), Valery Bondar, Mykola Matvienko, Yukhim Konoplya (all-Shakhtar Donetsk), Taras Mikhavko (Dynamo Kyiv), Bogdan Mikhailichenko (Polissya Zhytomyr), Vladyslav Dubinic.

Midfielders: Oleksandr Zinchenko (Nottingham Forest, England), Yegor Yarmolyuk (Bictford, England), Ivan Kalyuzhny (Metalist 1925 Kharkiv), Mykola Shaparenko, Nazar Voloshin (both – Dynamo Kiev), Oleg Obratyko, Artem Bondarenko (both – Shakhtar) Zhytomyr), Georgy Sudakov (Benfica Lisbon, Portugal), Alexander Zubkov (Trebzonspora Trabzon, Turkey).

Attackers: Roman Yaremchuk (Olympiakos Piraeus, Greece), Artem Dovbik (Roma Rome, Italy), Vladislav Vanat (Giron, Spain).

And if we were expecting a variant with five defenders against France, which did not happen, this time there is no need for such options. Ukraine should dominate the field in attacking football, so classic 4-3-3 for us and their variations will be the basic game location.

GOALKEEPER It is good that there is at least one position where the personnel potential is limited, and the player is high and there is no need for rotation. Trubin missed twice from France, but he also saved several times. Let’s hope that this time it is not possible to miss, and you will not have to save.

Choice Football.ua: Anatoly Trubin

Right Defender The number of right -wing defenders before the coming match in our rotation has increased, so after the “French” hemp exam has to take this place again. The only difference is that we expect rotation in the course of the game due to high loads.

Choice Football.ua: Yukhim Konoplya

Central defenders Kilian Mbappe has brought our pair of central defenders well, but Azerbaijan has no Kilian Mbappe, so Zabarny – Matvienko should have enough and without any changes.

Choice Football.ua: Ilya Zabarny, Mykola Matvienko.

Left defender Zinchenko played on the left flank against France, and Dubinchak, who was released to the camp of the national team, remained out of the application. But this time we are waiting for a match with more involvement in the attack, so the intense football of the experienced Alexander may not be enough, and if Dubinchak still gets to the application, then his flank transmissions and speed will be very appropriate.

Choice Football.ua: Vladislav Dubinchak

Supporting midfielder The Super-Ivan match against France failed, so we expect a rotation from Rebrov and a full debut in a starting line for Shakhtar player, who has already learned several roles in the center of the field for a new coach. This time, an option with a large amount of work behind and the ability to move the ball forward, but already younger version, should be useful for us.

Choice Football.ua: Oleg Orthodko

Central midfielders Even against the backdrop of a powerful rival, Yarmolyuk looked a confident player to solve the task of a more attacking plan and in the coming game. An alternative option is Bondarenko, for which it can be a debut in the starting composition on the background of a very good exit in the last minutes after the French. As for Sudakov, he had his own goal opportunities against France, and since we have Zinchenko and Shaparenko in replacement, at least an hour of game time, George should be provided at the proper level.

Choice Football.ua: Yegor Yarmolyuk and Georgy Sudakov.

Right Winger Most of the questions we have on the flanks of the attack, where the right Gutsulyak in the game against France has proven itself not in a bright way, and can eventually get under rotation with something Zubkov. Or with Voloshin, who went into that game quite well, but will the risks risks so much?

Choice Football.ua: Alexei Gutsulyak.

FORWARD Dovbik found his goal in the previous game, but in general, a duel against world -class defenders, steamed and Kote, he lost. Vanat, which came out to replace him, also found a goal, but even when the French began to lose density. And it is the planned number of Azerbaijan defense players at their own gates that calls doubt on the appearance of Vladislav from the first minutes.

Choice Football.ua: Artem Dovbik

Left winger On the left in an attack against France, we saw three players at the course of the meeting. This is Hutsulak, who had to be nominally located there, and Zubkov, who changed with him in the second half, and Nazarenko, who replaced at the end of the match. And as a result, Zubkov showed himself there – at least, the only interesting episode from him came from that attack zone. But in general, both of our starting wingers against France played poorly, so the ribs can be changed here.

Choice Football.ua: Alexander Nazarenko

The team for a match with Azerbaijan from Football.ua This time, Ukraine is not so difficult for Ukraine as nervous. Because the rivals are noticeably annoyed in the first round, their head coach want to be released, so in order to eliminate the consequences, Azerbaijan will do everything to at least miss on their own field. For us, this news is not too good – we open the echelorated defense even against the teams below the class with great difficulty.

Forward to victory! Glory to Ukraine!