Andriy Shevchenko, getty images November 22, 2025, 3:20 p.m

UAF President Andriy Shevchenko spoke about the draw for the 2026 World Cup selection playoffs. His words are quoted by Goal.pl.

“Of course, I would like to avoid a match with Poland. For two reasons. First, Poland has a good team. Second, you know what a good relationship I have with the Poles. I am very well acquainted with the president of the Polish Football Union and with people from the Polish football community. The national team of Ukraine and our clubs have played against Polish teams many times.

If it were up to me, I would prefer to get a different opponent than Poland. But one more time. Neither we nor you had any influence on the draw, as well as on the fact that you will first play against Albania, and if you go further, then against someone from the Ukraine-Sweden pair,” Shevchenko said.