Ukraine – Irlande du Nord

Recent form · Written before the match

After two matchdays of the 2026/27 league phase, Ukraine beat Hungary 1-0 on 25 September and then drew 0-0 in Georgia on 28 September. Northern Ireland won 1-0 in Georgia on 25 September and then drew 0-0 against Hungary on 28 September.

Both teams are unbeaten, with one goal scored and none conceded according to the UEFA results published on 29 September. They are playing their third match in approximately eight days; the exact journeys and actual recovery have not been documented.

The official data retained do not make it possible to compare the quality of chances, pressing, shots, or possession.

Head-to-head · Written before the match

The UEFA match sheet indicates 3 Ukrainian wins, 2 draws, and 1 Northern Irish win, with 4 goals to 3. The detailed scores and dates are not sufficiently disclosed to establish a verifiable chronology.

This historical record is therefore of limited prédictive valeur, as the squads, coaches, and context have changed.

Absences and returns

Artem Dovbyk left the Ukrainian camp due to an injury sustained at club level; Oleksandr Andrievsky did not join the national team because of appendicitis. Oleksandr Pihalonyk and Ihor Krasnoper were called up as replacements, according to the UAF on 17 September 2026.

For Northern Ireland, Dan Ballard left the camp after an injury against Georgia and returned to Sunderland. Alistair McCann, Brad Lyons and Conor Bradley had already been reported unavailable in the national team’s official announcement.

The status of the other players and the starters is unconfirmed.

Context & news

Ukraine scenario: its four points earned against Hungary and Georgia, its unbeaten défense, and its familiarity with the stadium chosen by its federation may favor control of the match. Northern Ireland scenario: its win in Georgia and its draw against Hungary, also without conceding a goal, suggest that a compact block and quick transitions could exploit Dovbyk’s absence and the venue’s geographical neutrality.

No officially published information makes it possible to reliably detail progression, box defending, or set pieces. The stakes are first place in Group B2 and potential promotion; no qualification is decided after two matchdays.