Serhiy Rebrov faces his first significant test as Ukraine's head coach when his team meets France in their World Cup 2026 qualification opener this Friday. The crucial match kicks off at 21:45 local time at Tarchynski Arena in Wroclaw, Poland, with Dutch referee Danny Makkelie appointed to oversee proceedings.
The Ukrainian squad didn't get lucky with their top-seeded opponent in the qualifying group. Instead of potentially facing Croatia, they'll need to contend with the mighty French side.
"France's squad is full of surprises - whichever player you pick, they're a surprise. We're preparing seriously," Rebrov noted during his pre-match press conference. "Tomorrow is an important game, and I believe in my players. I see their motivation and desire. I'm confident we'll do everything possible."
The schedule, however, might work in Ukraine's favor. They'll face France at their "home" venue first, then play against Azerbaijan and Iceland before meeting the French again on their turf. This arrangement potentially allows Ukraine to secure second place and a playoff spot before that final showdown.
Rebrov's team faces some personnel challenges, but the situation isn't as dire as during the COVID period when Ukraine suffered a devastating 1-7 loss in Paris. Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin appears certain to start, as does center-back Illya Zabarnyi, with Yukhym Konoplya likely at right-back due to injuries in that position.
Interestingly, France has its own selection issues. Eduardo Camavinga and Ferland Mendy from Real Madrid are unavailable, as is Arsenal's William Saliba. Reports also suggest Ousmane Dembele missed training just days before the match. Still, Didier Deschamps' squad remains formidable - Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise alone are valued at nearly the same amount as Ukraine's entire team.
"Regarding Ukraine's playing style, I'd like to highlight their well-rehearsed combinations," Deschamps remarked. "They bring an element of surprise from the very beginning, which could create certain problems for us tomorrow."
Bookmakers clearly favor the 2022 World Cup finalists, offering odds of 1.41 for a French victory compared to 8.60 for Ukraine. A draw stands at 4.70.
This match carries additional significance for Deschamps, who is expected to step down after the 2026 World Cup. Logically, he'll want to depart with a second world title in his hands, and securing straightforward qualification would be the first step.
Ukraine's expected lineup includes Trubin in goal; Konoplya, Bondar, Zabarnyi, Matviyenko, and Dubinchak in defense; Hutsuliak, Yarmoliuk, Kaliuzhnyi, and Sudakov in midfield; with Dovbyk leading the attack.
For France, Maignan should start in goal, with Koundé, Upamecano, L. Hernandez, and T. Hernandez forming the backline; Tchouaméni and Rabiot in central midfield; and an attacking trio of Olise, Akliouche, and Thuram supporting Mbappé.
Can Ukraine pull off a surprise against the heavily favored French? We'll find out Friday night.
