Ukraine vs Iceland drama: Key match to be played at unexpected location
Photo: Legia Stadium in Warsaw (facebook.com/StadionLegii)
The Ukrainian national team will play its home qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup against Iceland on November 16 at a stadium where it has never played before, according to the official website of the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF).
Where the match will take place
The match that will determine which team continues the fight for a World Cup spot will take place in the Polish capital, Warsaw, at Legia Stadium.
It will be the first time in history that the Blue-and-Yellows play at this stadium. Previously, the Ukrainian national team played twice in Warsaw, but at a different venue, the National Stadium.
On March 22, 2013, during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, Ukraine defeated Poland 3–1 thanks to goals from Andriy Yarmolenko, Oleh Husiev, and Roman Zozulya.
On June 7, 2024, in a friendly match, Ukraine lost to the hosts 1–3, with Artem Dovbyk scoring the visitors' only goal.
About the stadium
The Marshal Józef Piłsudski Polish Army Stadium was built in 1930. It is owned by the city but has historically been considered the home ground of the Legia football club. The football club officially leases the arena, which is why its name is also used as the name of the stadium.
Before Euro 2012, the stadium underwent a major renovation that included expanding the stands. It now has a capacity of 33,000 spectators.
During the 2022/23 season, Donetsk Shakhtar played its European Cup matches at this stadium.
Ukraine in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers
After four rounds, the Blue-and-Yellows are in second place in Group D with 7 points, three behind the leader, France.
Group D standings after four rounds:
- France – 10 points (goals: 9:3)
- Ukraine – 7 (8:7)
- Iceland – 4 (11:9)
- Azerbaijan – 1 (2:11)
Next matches
November 13
- France – Ukraine
- Azerbaijan – Iceland
November 16
- Ukraine – Iceland
- Azerbaijan – France
The winner of the group will qualify directly for the World Cup, while the team that finishes second will advance to the playoff round, where they'll have to defeat two opponents to secure a spot.
