Yuriy Moroz: "Italy stands out, but we're not giving up on first place"

10.12.2024 17:05

On Thursday, December 5, the draw for the UEFA EURO 2026 (U-17) Round 1 took place in Nyon, Switzerland.

As a result of the draw, the Ukraine U-16 team (players born in 2009) was placed in Group 1. The Ukrainian team will face Italy, Montenegro, and Estonia in the group. Estonia will host the mini-tournament.

Ukraine U-17 Match Schedule

01.10.2025: Montenegro — Ukraine

04.10.2025: Ukraine — Estonia

07.10.2025: Ukraine — Italy

The head coach of Ukraine's team, Yuriy Moroz, shared his impressions of the draw with the UAF official website.

— I have a positive reaction to this draw, said Moroz. — All the teams in our group are capable of playing good football. Much will depend on our players — how they approach these matches and what condition they are in. The coaching staff will provide the team with all the necessary information about our opponents. The matches will show how well we have prepared.

Italy stands out, but we're not giving up on first place. As for Montenegro and Estonia, I believe these are teams our squad is capable of competing against.

EURO 2026 U-17. Round 1 Draw Results

Group 1: Italy, Ukraine, Montenegro, Estonia

Group 2: Czechia, Hungary, North Macedonia, Gibraltar

Group 3: England, Sweden, Lithuania, Scotland

Group 4: Spain, Denmark, Latvia, Andorra

Group 5: Belgium, Norway, Belarus, Moldova

Group 6: Austria, Ireland, Kosovo, Faroe Islands

Group 7: Serbia, Turkiye, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Malta

Group 8: Croatia, Netherlands, Albania, Kazakhstan

Group 9: France, Israel, Romania, Azerbaijan

Group 10: Switzerland, Slovakia, Bulgaria, San Marino

Group 11: Northern Ireland, Finland, Cyprus, Armenia

Group 12: Portugal, Slovenia, Wales, Liechtenstein

Group 13: Poland, Germany, Luxembourg

Group 14: Greece, Iceland, Georgia

A total of 54 teams were divided into 12 groups of four teams each and two groups of three teams. The host nation of the final tournament, Estonia, will also participate in the qualification process.

As a result of Round 1, 14 group winners and 14 second-place teams will progress to Round 2 in League A. The remaining 26 teams will participate in Round 2 in League B.

The teams that reach Round 2 in League A will compete in the spring of 2026 for seven spots in the final tournament of EURO 2026 (U-17). Estonia, as the host, has automatically secured a place. It is also important to note that Round 2 in League A will serve as a qualification round for the FIFA World Cup 2026 U-17 in Qatar.

Furthermore, teams from both leagues in Round 2 of qualifying will compete for promotion and relegation between leagues ahead of Round 1 for EURO 2028 U-19.