(MENAFN- UkrinForm) According to the press service of the Ukrainian Football Association (UAF ), the coach of the“blue and yellows” stressed that only a victory in this game will allow his team to continue qualifying in the European World Cup playoffs, Ukrinform reports.

"As for the game plan, unfortunately, we often have injured players, so we are working with those who are available. They are the ones who will determine the outcome tomorrow. We have to maintain what we did in Iceland (5:3): fast attacks in the first half, from which we scored. And rebounds in the second half - they also brought goals. It is important to maintain these factors. We will be more aggressive because we are playing at home and only a victory will satisfy us. We have to think about how to score. If we score first, it doesn't mean we have to back off. Character will come to the fore. The players must be fighters. We are fighting for the whole of Ukraine. And tomorrow there will be great support (in Warsaw) - from Ukrainians and Poles. We must all show character," emphasized Serhii Rebrov.

As a reminder, the match between Ukraine and Iceland will take place on Sunday, November 16, in Warsaw at the Legia Stadium (kick-off at 7 p.m. Kyiv time). Only a victory will secure the blue and yellows a place in the 2026 World Cup playoffs.

The tournament standings in Group D are as follows: France - 13 points, Iceland - 7, Ukraine - 7, Azerbaijan - 1.

It should be noted that the 12 group winners will advance to the 2026 World Cup based on the results of the group stage matches. Four more places from Europe will be determined based on the results of the play-off matches involving 16 teams.

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The play-offs will feature 12 teams that finish second in their groups, as well as the four best winners of the 2024/25 Nations League groups that did not finish first or second in the group stage of the qualifiers.

The final stage of the 23rd World Cup will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The opening match of the World Cup will take place on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, and the final match will be held on July 19 in New York.

Photo: uaf (Dan Balashov).

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