Three potential scenarios for Ukraine's future in the Nations League. What lies ahead for the country?
On November 19, the national team of Ukraine will play its final match in the group stage of the UEFA Nations League, facing the team from Albania. The outcome of this match will determine the team's fate in the current tournament, and possibly even in the next edition of the Nations League.
In the 2024/25 season, the Ukrainian team is competing in Division B of the Nations League, and based on the results of the current tournament, the "yellow-blues" have the chance to either move up to the elite Division A, remain in Division B, or even drop down to the third-tier Division C.
Three Possible Scenarios for the Ukrainian Team in the Nations League
Unfortunately, Ukraine can no longer secure a direct spot in the elite division, as it has lost its theoretical chances of finishing in first place in the table.
Scenario #1 – The Best Outcome
The highest position that Serhiy Rebrov's team can achieve this season is second place. This position will allow them to play in the play-off for promotion to Division A.
The opponent in this case will be one of the teams that finished in third place in their group in the elite division (these are Serbia, Hungary, Belgium, or Scotland). These matches are scheduled for March 20 and 23. If victorious, Ukraine will compete in Division A in the next edition of the Nations League, while a loss would mean remaining in Division B.
What is needed for this? Ukraine must defeat the Albanian team, and in the parallel match between the Czech Republic and Georgia, either a victory for the Czechs or a draw is required.
In this case, Ukraine will either gain one more point or equal points with the Georgians – in any scenario, the "yellow-blues" will finish above them and take second place behind the Czechs.
Scenario #2 – Acceptable
The Ukrainian team may finish in third place in their group, trailing behind the Czech Republic and Georgia. If this occurs, the "yellow-blues" will have to play matches in the play-off to remain in Division B.
The opponent will be one of the teams that finished in second place in their Division C group (Slovakia, Bulgaria, Armenia, or possibly Kosovo). These matches are set for March 20 and 23. If they win, Ukraine will play in Division A in the next edition of the Nations League, while a loss would mean staying in Division B.
What is needed for this? Once again, Ukraine must win against Albania in their match, and in the parallel game between the Czech Republic and Georgia, Georgia must secure a victory.
In this case, Ukraine will end up with an equal number of points as the Czechs but will be positioned lower due to poorer results in head-to-head matches. Georgia would then take first place in the group.
Scenario #3 – The Worst Outcome
The Ukrainian team is currently in last place in the group and may remain there after the group stage. If this happens, Ukraine will automatically be relegated and will compete in Division C in the next edition of the Nations League.
What is needed for this? Simply not winning against Albania. If Ukraine loses or draws with the Albanians, they will remain in last place with the fewest points in the group.
The match between Albania and Ukraine is set to begin at 21:45 Kyiv time.
Background. Earlier, Mind reported that a scandal erupted over the Russian language before the match between the football teams of Albania and Ukraine.