Ukraine finished second in UEFA’s Group D behind a dominant France, which sent them to the playoff route. Unfortunately, their journey ended in the playoff semifinals with a frustrating 3-1 loss to Sweden, erasing their dreams at the very last hurdle.

Missing out on this expanded 48-team tournament is a massive disappointment for a roster packed with elite European talent. The Blue and Yellow will now have to watch the action from home while wondering what could have been if a few bounces went their way.

How many times has Ukraine played at the World Cup?

Ukraine has only qualified for the FIFA World Cup one time in its history, back in 2006. During that memorable debut in Germany, it defied expectations by marching all the way to the quarterfinals before being eliminated by eventual champions Italy.

Despite missing the 2026 edition, Ukraine have a great chance to reset and target the 2030 or 2034 tournaments. The expanded formats give them a favorable path if they can steady their defense and ensure they do not drop crucial points against lower-ranked opponents.

To make those future tournaments, they must establish defensive consistency and maximize their world-class attacking depth. Developing a more ruthless edge in high-stakes playoff games and integrating younger prospects into the starting formation.

“Christian is doing well and left the field himself. As I see it, the pacemaker is working as it should. He was briefly unconscious, but regained consciousness very quickly, and we were quickly in contact with him. Now he will be examined further at the hospital to find out what caused the incident,” Morten Boesen, team doctor said, according to Denmark‘s national side’s social media.

“We are in ongoing contact with him and the doctors at the hospital. But Christian was fine, and he asked me to greet all the players and say that everything was okay.”

For the time being, that’s all that matters. Whatever happens with Eriksen’s professional career is irrelevant, and speculation does no good during such a critical health situation.

National team showed support

In the blink of an eye, Eriksen clutched his chest and fell to the ground at Odense Stadion, showing just how meaningless a soccer game can become when something truly important happens. As soon as Eriksen collapsed, first responders entered the pitch and assisted the veteran international star.

Similar to what happened at Euro 2020, when Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest, his teammates quickly reacted. They stayed close to Eriksen at all times—close enough to create a wall that prevented cameras from capturing highly sensitive images, yet far enough away for the medical team to work unobstructed.

What’s next for Denmark

The international friendly against Ukraine was suspended in the 65th minute. Most likely, the match will be abandoned, as it holds no real significance for either side. Denmark has completed its June international slate, having previously played to a scoreless draw against DR Congo on June 3.

The Danish national team did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup. As things stand, Denmark has no games scheduled until the 2026 UEFA Nations League.

As reported by Zorya Londonsk on X, Eriksen was conscious as he walked onto the ambulance. Considering Eriksen’s medical history, it’s an encouraging sign, although the situation certainly raises concerns and once again puts the Danish star in the spotlight over a potential cardiac setback.

“Christian Eriksen is conscious and doing well under the circumstances. The match has been called off,” Denmark’s national team reported in an official statement.

Eriksen’s precedent

Back in June of 2021, Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s opening game against Finland in the Euro 2020. Hadn’t it been for the immediate reaction from first responders, the story could’ve been much different and tragic for the international soccer star.

In February 2022, Eriksen returned to a pitch, fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) in his heart. Perhaps, that device played a big role in helping Eriksen recover from the latest scare.

However, the latest medical emergency, which shows an awful lot of similarities with the cardiac arrest five years ago, puts concerns over the 34-year-old and his career. Still, that’s all a problem for tomorrow. For the time being, his health is the only thing that matters. Based on Denmark’s official statement on the national team’s social media, Eriksen is doing well.

How to watch Denmark vs Ukraine in the USA

Fans will have several ways to follow this highly anticipated showdown. Coverage will air live on FS2, while streaming options include Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, and ViX.

No matter which platform they choose, viewers can watch every key sequence, game-changing swing, and thrilling conclusion unfold live from start to finish as the action plays out.

Can I watch Denmark vs Ukraine for free?

Fans in the United States can catch this marquee showdown live through Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Hulu + Live TV, each providing access to the network airing the match across the country.

First-time subscribers can also stream without paying upfront by using available free trial offers, including five days from Fubo and DirecTV Stream and a three-day trial from Hulu + Live TV.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Ukraine and Denmark, two European nations left on the outside of the World Cup field, meet in a matchup centered on future growth.

Ukraine once again saw its qualification campaign end in the playoffs, while Denmark‘s failure to reach the tournament came as a surprise after entering the cycle with high expectations.

With both teams now looking ahead, this game provides an important opportunity to build chemistry, evaluate emerging talent, and gain momentum for upcoming international competitions.

Denmark vs Ukraine: Predicted Lineups

Denmark (4-3-3): Hermansen; Kristensen, Christensen, Andersen, Maehle; Eriksen, Hojberg, Jensen; Daghim, Osula, Dorgu.

Ukraine (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Bondar, Sarapiy, Matviienko, Mykolenko; Ocheretko, Nazaryna; Yarmolenko, Tsygankov, Sudakov; Yaremchuk.

What time is the Denmark vs Ukraine match?

The match kicks off today, June 7, at 12:30 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 12:30 PM
Central Time: 11:30 AM
Mountain Time: 10:30 AM
Pacific Time: 9:30 AM

In the UEFA playoffs, Sweden faced Ukraine in a high-stakes semifinal. The Blue and Yellow managed to secure the win thanks to a hat-trick by Viktor Gyokeres, allowing them to advance to the final round.

In the other semifinal, Poland stunned Albania. Now, Sweden and Poland will meet in the Path B final to determine which nation will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

When will Sweden play the final of Path B?

Sweden will return home to Solna to try to secure their qualification in front of their own fans. Regardless of the semifinal outcomes, the final was pre-determined to be played at the home of the Ukraine vs. Sweden winner.

The game between Sweden and Poland will take place on Tuesday, March 31, at the Strawberry Arena in Solna. This duel will determine which nation advances to the World Cup from Path B of the UEFA playoffs.

World Cup Group F destiny

As the 2026 World Cup groups have already been drawn, both nations know exactly what awaits them if they qualify. The winner of the Sweden vs. Poland match will enter Group F.

The qualifying nation will join a challenging group that includes the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia. Many fans regard this as one of the toughest groups in the upcoming World Cup.

[Watch Ukraine vs Sweden online in the US on Fubo]

It’s a win-or-go-home clash between Ukraine and Sweden, with both sides entering in very different form. Ukraine impressed in qualifying—finishing second behind France and eliminating Iceland—and comes in as the favorite.

Sweden, on the other side, rebounded from a poor campaign by staying alive through the Nations League. With Ukraine riding momentum and Sweden leaning on experience, this high-stakes matchup is one you won’t want to miss.

When will the Ukraine vs Sweden match be played?

Ukraine take on Sweden on Thursday, March 26, in the Path B semifinal of the World Cup qualifiers, with kickoff slated for 3:45 PM (ET).

Ukraine vs Sweden: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:45 PM
CT: 2:45 PM
MT: 1:45 PM
PT: 12:45 PM

How to watch Ukraine vs Sweden in the USA

Catch the thrilling UEFA World Cup qualifiers showdown between Ukraine and Sweden in the USA. Stream the action on Fubo. Other options: Tubi, Amazon Prime Video and ViX.

Graham Potter‘s men earned their place in the play‑offs partly thanks to their performance in the UEFA Nations League, which gave them a route into the second round despite a difficult group stage.

Ukraine, on the other hand, secured a play‑off spot by finishing second in Group D behind France, meaning they must now navigate this knockout match to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

What happens if Sweden beat Ukraine today?

If Sweden beat Ukraine today, Sweden will advance to the UEFA play‑off final on March 31, 2026, putting them one step away from qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Sweden reached this play‑off stage thanks to their performance in the UEFA Nations League ranking, which gave them one of the four extra slots in the 16‑team playoff bracket despite not finishing in the top two of their qualifying group.

By winning today’s match, they would carry momentum and the psychological advantage into the final against the winner of Poland vs Albania, with the victorious side on March 31 earning one of Europe’s remaining four World Cup spots.

What happens if Sweden and Ukraine tie?

If Sweden and Ukraine tie at the end of regular time, the match will not end in a draw — UEFA play‑off rules require a winner to be decided on the day. The game would then proceed to extra time, with 30 additional minutes played.

If still level after extra time, the tie would be settled by a penalty shootout. This format is standard for the UEFA second‑round play‑offs: all fixtures are single‑leg knockout matches where ties after 90 minutes must be resolved before a team can advance to the play‑off final.

What happens if Sweden lose to Ukraine today?

If Sweden lose to Ukraine today, Sweden’s run in the UEFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers will end. They would be eliminated from contention for the World Cup via the play‑off route.

Ukraine would advance to the Path B final, where they would play the winner of Poland vs Albania. Victory in that final would earn Ukraine a spot in the 48‑team 2026 World Cup tournament.

All they needed was one. Iceland fought hard to keep the deadlock, but it eventually broke. Ukraine found the game-winning goal from a corner kick with less than five minutes left in regulation time. They say two headers in the penalty area are synonymous with a goal, and that proved true as Oleksandr Zubkov found the back of the net to send Ukraine through to the UEFA Play-Off Round. With Iceland fully on the attack, a counterattack from Ukraine led to the insurance 2-0 goal.

A win or draw would have sent Iceland through to the playoffs instead, but Ukraine finally struck the decisive blow, breaking hearts across the Land of Fire and Ice.

When the final whistle blew, Iceland fell to third place in Group D of the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, officially waving goodbye their dream of making the 2026 FIFA World Cup—to be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. With the 2-0 loss to Ukraine, Iceland have been eliminated from World Cup contention.

Iceland fail to make second World Cup appearance

Iceland failed to rise back up, and instead their World Cup hopes were over as Ukraine defeated them 2-0 in a decisive matchup in Group D.

Iceland remained hopeful until the end, but it simply wasn’t to be. In heartbreaking fashion, Ukraine scored two late goals to keep their hopes alive. Meanwhile, Iceland failed to make the FIFA World Cup for the second time in soccer history. The Land of Fire and Ice had made the tournament in 2018.

Moreover, they have only recorded one point in World Cup history, and that came from a 1-1 draw against Lionel Messi and Argentina. To make their lone appearance even more memorable, goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson stopped a penalty shot from the Argentine star.

Group D standings

• France (16 points)
• Ukraine (10 points)
• Iceland (7 points)
• Azerbaijan (1 point)

In this way, Sergiy Rebrov’s side secured a spot in the playoffs, although its place in the next World Cup is not yet guaranteed. This upcoming stage will ultimately decide Ukraine’s fate.

Meanwhile, Iceland, who before this match held a playoff spot thanks to a superior goal difference, were ultimately eliminated, with its dream of appearing in the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada now dashed.

The match was decided in the final ten minutes. First, Zubkov scored in the 83rd minute with a header, and Hutsulyak sealed the victory in the third minute of stoppage time.

If Ukraine can overcome the obstacle awaiting them in the upcoming playoff, they will compete in the World Cup for only the second time in their history. Their first appearance was in Germany 2006, where they surprisingly reached the quarterfinals.

Playoff spot in sight

Ukraine have successfully earned a crucial lifeline in their bid for World Cup qualification, securing a spot in the upcoming playoff stage following a dramatic victory over Iceland. This hard-fought win keeps their dream of appearing in the next World Cup alive.

They now advance to the high-stakes playoff bracket, where their opponents are yet to be finalized. The path ahead remains difficult, but Ukraine now have a clear shot through the playoffs to claim one of the final coveted spots in the global tournament.

[Watch France vs Ukraine online in the US on Fubo]

France are heading into a pivotal clash in Group D, sitting atop the table with 10 points but still needing a win to lock up their place in the next World Cup. Kylian Mbappe and company know what’s at stake, as a victory here would secure qualification before the final Matchday.

Standing in their way is Ukraine, the team closest to challenging their lead. The Ukrainians remain in contention for first place, but their hopes hinge entirely on pulling off a win in this high-stakes showdown.

When will the France vs Ukraine match be played?

France play against Ukraine this Thursday, November 13, for Matchday 5 of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. The match is set to kick off at 2:45 PM (ET).

France vs Ukraine: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:45 PM
CT: 1:45 PM
MT: 12:45 PM
PT: 11:45 AM

How to watch France vs Ukraine in the USA

The UEFA World Cup Qualifiers matchup between France and Ukraine will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo. Other options: FS2, DirecTV Stream and ViX.

Ousmane Dembele is sidelined for France vs Ukraine today due to a calf injury sustained nine days ago while playing for his club, Paris Saint-Germain. This marks his third injury of the season; he previously missed the start of the season with a hamstring issue following the Club World Cup.

In Dembele’s absence, Deschamps must seek a replacement in the lineup, as France boast one of the deepest pools of talent. From Kylian Mbappe to Rayan Cherki, Deschamps has an array of options to fill Dembele’s shoes, which could prove advantageous if Dembele require replacement again in the future.

Meanwhile, Ukraine aim to upset France in Paris, with Malinovskiy pivotal in their efforts to overcome the 2018 World Cup champions. Historically, the Ukrainians have struggled against the French National Soccer Team, holding a 0-2-4 record when playing in France.

Who can replace Ousmane Dembele today?

Considering the roster Deschamps assembled for this fixture, numerous alternatives are available to replace Dembele against Ukraine. The odds favor the French side, presenting an opportunity to introduce fresh faces to the starting lineup.

Christopher Nkunku, Bradley Barcola, or Maghnes Akliouche could potentially feature in today’s lineup against Ukraine. Cherki, Kolo Muani, Kylian Mbappe, and Jean-Phillipe Mateta are among the key options under consideration by France’s head coach.

Predicted starting XI for France vs Ukraine

With Mbappe leading the team and the return of N’golo Kante to the roster, France are pulling out all the stops to secure their place in next year’s World Cup in North America.

Here’s the predicted lineup against Ukraine:

Goalkeeper: Maignan

Defenders: Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, T. Hernandez

Midfielders: Zaire-Emery, Camavinga, Kone

Forwards: Olise, Mbappe, Barcola