“The famous coach reacted to the potential opponents of the Ukrainian national team after the 2026 WC draw”, — write: sport.ua
But potential opponents of the “blue-yellow” have already become known. They were the teams of the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.
The well-known domestic coach Vitaly Kvartsyany gave an exclusive comment on this matter to the Sport.ua website.
– Vitaliy Volodymyrovych, in the summer of 2026, the Ukrainian national team can play against the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia at the World Cup. What will your resume be?
– In your question, the main word is “can” (smiles). As for our potential rivals, I think they are quite serious. However, the Ukrainian national team has a positive experience in matches with the Tunisian team, which we defeated at the World Cup in 2006. Although football has become more fun there now. Suffice it to say that they are participants in the last two World Cups. And despite the fact that they have had a change of generations, they are seriously developing. But it’s a good thing that Morocco didn’t get into the African national teams. You can play with Tunisia.
As for Japan, you can beat them too, although they have many footballers playing in English, German and French clubs. But at the same time, we also have something to brag about in this regard.
However, the main opponent is, of course, the Netherlands national team.
– But, in principle, can we be favorites?
– If everything is harmonized, which means that all the players of the Ukrainian national team will be in good shape, there will be no injuries, maybe there will be new, young players who play abroad, then you can take a shot at the first place.
– According to authorities, the Netherlands is not the worst option?
– I think so. I would not like to see Argentina, England or Spain as opponents of the Ukrainian national team. You can also mention the French. If they have all the best football players in the bracket, it is almost impossible to beat them.
– That is, the potential draw for us worked out…
– Normal. But you need to get down to earth and first do everything to get through the playoff round. Sweden has not yet shown its full power. In the spring, this national team can be an order of magnitude higher than it was in the qualifying tournament. I believe that the Scandinavians are stronger than Japan or Tunisia. Therefore, all concentration should be on the March matches for now.
– Perhaps Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who finished his career in 2023, will be asked to return to the Swedes in the spring?
– Why not? If we take it strategically and take into account his physical data, then even now he could go out for five minutes in every match to give an economic effect, that is, bring a result (laughs).
We would like to remind you that on March 26, 2026, the Ukrainian national team will meet the Swedish team in the semifinals of the playoff round of the 2026 World Cup selection. In case of victory in the decisive match for the right to go to the World Cup, Serhiy Rebrov’s wards must win against the winner of the Poland-Albania match on March 31.