In June of this year, the Ukrainian national team will play official matches in Canada for the first time in history as part of their preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifier. Along with teams from Canada, New Zealand, and Côte d'Ivoire, the blue-and-yellow side will participate in the Canadian Shield tournament to be held in Toronto.

This is not just another set of matches but an event that holds great significance for Ukrainian football as well as for all Ukrainians abroad, and it will contribute to strengthening our country's international ties during wartime.

During this historic tournament for our team, they will play two matches at BMO Field, which in 2026 will host the final stage of the World Cup. On June 7, under the guidance of Serhiy Rebrov, Ukraine's players will face the hosts, Canada, and on June 10 — New Zealand. The matches will be played according to FIFA regulations, with additional information about their start times to follow.

"I thank the Canadian Football Association for the invitation. I am confident that future matches will become an important sporting and social event for our countries. Ukrainians in Canada have always supported our national team at games around the world, now it's time for us to visit them as guests. Canada is a friendly country towards us, and we gladly accepted their invitation. We are preparing not only for the matches but also for social and charitable activities," — noted Andriy Shevchenko, president of the Ukrainian Football Association.

The agreement between the Canadian Football Association and the Ukrainian Football Association regarding Ukraine's participation in the tournament has already been signed. The Canadian side noted with great pleasure that they are looking forward to welcoming the Ukrainian national team. It is also mentioned that, besides a large Ukrainian diaspora, Canada has taken in a significant number of our refugees since the full-scale invasion by Russia began. Therefore, for many of them, this will be a unique opportunity to see their national team live. It is expected that the stands will be filled with blue-and-yellow flags.