We remind you that the national team of Ukraine arrived in Toronto, Canada, to participate in a historic tournament called Canadian Shield. The wards of Serhiy Rebrov have already started adapting and conducted their first training session abroad.

Players of the blue-and-yellow team Mykola Mikhaylenko, Artem Bondarenko, Oleksandr Martyniuk, and Yevhen Cheberko shared their impressions of being in the squad.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Mykola Mikhaylenko (defender): "The flight and the entire journey to Canada were very difficult. But we will adapt, we have a few more days. The main thing is that the atmosphere in the team is excellent. We will start preparing for the matches; I think everything will be fine. 

Did you feel nervous when you received the call-up to the national team? Yes, but as soon as you touch the ball in any match, all the nerves go away. Of course, this is a very serious moment in my career. I couldn't even dream of being here, but it's really nice.

As for the tournament itself, I would love to win both matches. We are preparing and adjusting to show good play despite tough opponents."

Photo: Dan Balashov

Artem Bondarenko (defender): "Serhiy Stanislavovich called me for the first time, so I was very happy. Right now, I feel proud and a great responsibility. Regardless of the end of the season, any football player is ready to go to the national team regardless of their psychological or physical state. I am no exception.

Honestly, after the flight, my body is slightly in shock. But we have several days to get into shape. I think everything will be fine. As for Canadian football, I know that Toronto FC has a few stars like Francesco Bernardezki and know there's a large Ukrainian diaspora here. So we're looking forward to incredible support."

Photo: Dan Balashov

Oleksandr Martyniuk (defender): "I haven't yet adapted to the team, but I talk with the guys every day and get acquainted. Some of them I've played against, others — I've played alongside. We're getting used to each other because we need a good collective. 

When I received the call-up for the national team, I was very happy to have the opportunity to test myself at this level. Everyone congratulated me, called, and messages came every minute.

As for flying to Canada, when I got my debut call-up, I was so happy that the distance didn't matter to me. I closed my eyes. The main thing is to train and play for the national team. 

I had a brief individual conversation with Serhiy Rebrov. He came up, greeted me, said: 'Well done, you deserved the call-up, and we'll see how you perform so that this call-up isn't your last.' 

Photo: Dan Balashov

Yevhen Cheberko (defender): "I consider myself not a complete newcomer, as I've already been in the squad. But it was five years ago. I take this call-up as a new opportunity to show myself. It's easier for me because no adaptation is needed after a long flight. I'm close here — flew about an hour and 20 or 30 minutes. I see how tired the guys are, but I think they'll adapt in two or three days. 

When I received the call-up, my first people to inform were my wife and mother who lives in Ukraine. The emotions were positive because I've been waiting for a long time and have worked hard for this opportunity.

I played on this stadium twice against Toronto FC, and we won both times. So the emotions are good. There are many Ukrainians in Toronto, so fans will definitely be there. They supported me before, so when the national team plays, it'll have a great atmosphere. 

I've watched not too many matches of Canada's national team but know that their coach is American Jesse Marsh who worked at Red Bull Salzburg in Austria. So I think we can compare them to Austria's team. They press a lot, play one-on-one, open up into zones. Many players are playing in Europe, so the match will be interesting.

Three main facts about Canada for me — hockey, cold weather, and tasty bread."

Ukraine National Team Roster

Goalkeepers: Andriy Lunin («Real», Spain), Anatoliy Trubin («Benfica», Portugal), Dmytro Ryshnyk («Shakhtar» Donetsk).

Defenders: Mykhailo Matviienko, Valeri Bondar (both — «Shakhtar» Donetsk), Oleksandr Timchik («Dynamo» Kyiv), Bohdan Mykhaylichenko («Polesye» Zhytomyr), Oleksandr Martyniuk («Oleksandria»), Illia Zabarny («Bournemouth», England), Maxim Taloviyev («Plymouth», England), Yevhen Cheberko («Columbus Crew», USA).

Midfielders: Mykhailo Shaparenko, Mykhailo Mikhaylenko, Oleksandr Pichalonok, Vladyslav Kabaev (all — «Dynamo» Kyiv), Georgiy Sudakov, Yegor Nazarina, Artem Bondarenko (all — «Shakhtar» Donetsk), Oleksii Hutsulyak («Polesye» Zhytomyr), Ivan Kalyuzhnyi («Oleksandria»), Viktor Tsygankov («Girona», Spain), Oleksandr Zinchenko («Arsenal», England), Oleksandr Zubkov («Trabzonspor», Turkey).

Forwards: Roman Yaremchuk («Olympiacos», Greece).

Reserve List

Georgiy Bushchan («Al-Shabab», Saudi Arabia), Oleksandr Svatos, Yurym Konoplia, Dmytro Kryskiv (all — «Shakhtar» Donetsk).

It's worth noting that during Canadian Shield, the Ukrainian national team will play two matches at BMO Field, which in 2026 will host World Cup final stage games. On June 7th, Serhiy Rebrov's wards will face the hosts, Canada, and on the 10th — New Zealand.

Supporters of blue-and-yellow have an opportunity to purchase tickets for these matches via: Canada - Ukraine, Ukraine - New Zealand.