Yuriy Moroz: "I believe Ukraine can be considered the favorite in our group"
On Thursday, December 5, the draw for the EURO 2026 (U-19) qualification round took place in Nyon, Switzerland.
According to the results of the draw, the Ukraine youth team (currently U-18, players born in 2007) found themselves in Group 5, where they will face Slovakia, Montenegro, and Albania. The mini-tournament will take place in November next year in Albania.
Ukraine U-19 match schedule:
November 12, 2025: Ukraine vs Albania
November 15, 2025: Ukraine vs Montenegro
November 18, 2025: Slovakia vs Ukraine
The UAF official website learned the reaction of Ukraine's head coach Yuriy Moroz to the draw for the EURO 2026 (U-19) qualification round.
— In our group, it's hard to single out any particular opponent, — said Moroz. — We need to focus on our own game. I believe our team is well-equipped. The players know how to play, and they understand the requirements. The team has been working together for several years, so, I repeat, in this competition, everything will depend on us and how we prepare for the matches.
Is Ukraine considered a favorite? With all due respect to Montenegro, Albania, and Slovakia, I believe Ukraine can be considered the favorite in our group. However, everything will be decided on the pitch.
UEFA EURO 2026 U-19 Qualifying Round Draw Results
Group 1: Ireland, Netherlands, Cyprus, Kazakhstan
Group 2: France, Hungary, Bulgaria, Faroe Islands
Group 3: Turkiye, Greece, Belarus, Liechtenstein
Group 4: Israel, Austria, Slovenia, Luxembourg
Group 5: Ukraine, Slovakia, Montenegro, Albania
Group 6: Serbia, Croatia, Georgia, Gibraltar
Group 7: Romania, Iceland, Finland, Andorra
Group 8: England, Scotland, Latvia, Lithuania
Group 9: Italy, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova
Group 10: Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, San Marino
Group 11: Portugal, Belgium, North Macedonia, Estonia
Group 12: Norway, Germany, Armenia, Kosovo
Group 13: Czechia, Northern Ireland, Malta, Azerbaijan
A total of 52 teams were divided into 13 groups of four. The host nation, Wales, has automatically qualified for the final tournament, while Spain will join the competition in the elite round.
Following the qualifying round, the top two teams from each group and the best third-placed team will advance to the elite round, joining Spain. The elite round, scheduled for spring 2026, will consist of seven groups, with the winners of each group earning a spot alongside Wales in the UEFA EURO 2026 U-19 final tournament.
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