Rebrov assessed his future following Ukraine's defeat by Sweden

Katerina Melnychenko
Katerina Melnychenko Deputy Editor-in-Chief
Rebrov assessed his future following Ukraine's defeat by Sweden
Serhiy Rebrov, Photo: UAF
Ukraine head coach Serhiy Rebrov spoke about his future with the national team following the 1–3 defeat to Sweden in the 2026 World Cup qualifying play-off. The coach also commented on the match itself and apologised to the fans.

Rebrov’s responses to journalists’ questions after the match are available on the UAF’s official website.

Following the defeat to Sweden in the play-offs for the 2026 World Cup, Ukraine head coach Serhiy Rebrov commented on his future with the national team.

“My contract is coming to an end soon. I haven’t received an offer from the UAF; if I do, I’ll consider it. My contract is ending now, so you’ll find out in two months,” Rebrov said at a press conference.

Rebrov has been in charge of the Ukraine national team since 2023. He led the team to Euro 2024, where the “blue and yellows” failed to progress from the group stage.

The manager’s current contract expires after the 2026 World Cup, for which the team failed to qualify.

Separately, Rebrov commented on the defeat to Sweden in an interview with MEGOGO.

“Unfortunately, we lost. We made too many mistakes – that’s why we suffered defeat. It’s very difficult to play when you concede a goal as early as the fourth minute.”

According to the coach, the Ukrainian national team lost to a strong opponent who defended very well.

“I think we lost to a strong team – they defended very well. Unfortunately, we didn’t capitalise on our chances.”

Rebrov also explained why the team failed to create enough chances up front.

“Why were we unable to create anything up front? The Swedish national team were very compact in defence. They changed their formation – playing with three centre-backs. It was very difficult to break down such a defence. They attacked with a small group of players, but were very tight in defence,” he said.

The manager also apologised to the fans for the result of the match.

“We apologise. The lads wanted to win, but that’s football, unfortunately. We lost, but I’m grateful to the lads; they gave their all on the pitch.”

Speaking about his immediate plans, Rebrov said: “My next plans are to play the second match.”

Sweden have reached the play-off final, where they will face Poland. The decisive match will take place on 31 March.

As a reminder, the national teams of Ukraine and Sweden will face off in the semi-final of the UEFA World Cup play-offs on 26 March 2026. Both teams are hoping for success in Valencia.

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