According to the first vice-president of the UAF, Vadim Kostyuchenko, a strong support from fans is expected at the stadium in Prague where the match will take place, which is extremely important for Sergiy Rebrov's team.

"We are grateful to our Czech partners, the government and the leadership of the football association for their warm reception of the national team in Prague! Unfortunately, this is only a nominal home match for our team, which will again play away from home. But we expect strong support from Ukrainian fans, each of whom will receive the national flag of Ukraine at the stadium in the capital of the Czech Republic. In this way, we are trying to create a home atmosphere on the pitch during the match in the blue and yellow colors that are dear to us all," Kostyuchenko said.

The traditional match will begin with the performance of the national anthems of both countries. This time, the anthem of Ukraine will be performed by frontman of the group "BEZ OBMEZHNYKH" Serhiy Tanchynets. This collective, like many others in Ukraine, actively performs concerts to accumulate funds for supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Currently, "BEZ OBMEZHNYKH" is on a two-month world tour.

"Traditionally, the Ukrainian Football Association has invited soldiers who are undergoing treatment and rehabilitation abroad for the main team match of Ukraine. This time, these are our defenders who are in medical facilities in the Czech Republic. Also honorable guests who will support the national team during the match against North Macedonia will be children's teams of Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic. A special sector on the stadium has also been traditionally reserved for families of fallen soldiers from 'Heroes' Tribunes.' This is over 100 people, including children of soldiers who loved football and were extremely devoted to their homeland, sacrificing their most precious thing - their lives. On Sunday, the day after the match, the children will meet with players and coaches of the national team," Vadim Kostyuchenko informed.

It is these children from 'Heroes' Tribunes,' as well as refugee children who will lead out the footballers for this match. Among them is 8-year-old Oleksii Partala from Kharkiv. His father Stanislav Partala ("Metro") was a fan of FC "Metalist" (Kharkiv), served in the first operational battalion of the Azov Regiment, and died on March 2, 2022 during the defense of Mariupol. Stanislav Partala was posthumously awarded the title of 'Hero of Ukraine' with the Order of Glory.

Also among them is 8-year-old Yelizaveta Matviienko. Her father Vyacheslav Matviienko ("Syaiva") was a fan of FC "Shakhtar" (Donetsk), served in "Azov." He died on March 22, 2022 during the defense of Mariupol and was posthumously awarded the Order of Courage III degree.

Also among them is 7-year-old Myroslav Rubtsov. His father Oleksiy Rubtsov ("Soldat") was a fan of FC "Dynamo" (Kyiv). A veteran of the Anti-Terrorist Operation in the Azov Regiment, he participated in the defense of Kyiv as part of the Carpathian Sich and died on September 18, 2022 during combat operations in Donetsk Oblast. He was awarded the Order of Courage III degree.

The match between Ukraine and North Macedonia will take place on October 14 at Epet Arena in Prague. Kick-off is scheduled for 3 PM local time (4 PM Kyiv time).