The Ukrainian national team defeated Iceland 2–0 in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match, scoring both goals late in the game. The victory was secured thanks to precise strikes from Oleksandr Zubkov and Oleksii Hutsuliak.
The match between Ukraine and Iceland began with active play from both sides. In the second minute, Oleksandr Zubkov struck wide of the goal, and Iceland soon responded with a corner kick. Ukraine gradually took the initiative: Tsyhankov hit the crossbar, and Zubkov threatened the opponent’s goal several times, but accuracy was lacking. Iceland also created chances from set pieces, yet Ukraine’s defence and Trubin’s goalkeeping kept the score 0–0 at halftime.
Early in the second half, Iceland created a dangerous moment with a shot from Willumsson, but Trubin pushed the ball out for a corner. Ukraine responded with Zubkov’s runs, long-range attempts from Malinovskyi, and an episode where Iceland’s goalkeeper stopped a promising attack.
Ukraine’s coaching staff refreshed the team with substitutions—Hutsuliak, Shaparenko, Yaremchuk, later Svatok and Nazaryna entered the pitch. The team increased the pressure and opened the scoring in the 83rd minute. After a corner, Zubkov received the ball inside the penalty area from Hutsuliak and sent it into the net to make it 1–0.
In stoppage time, Iceland tried to equalize, but Kalyuzhnyi’s defensive play stopped their attack. In the 90+3 minute, Ukraine doubled their lead: Hutsuliak received a pass from Kalyuzhnyi, dribbled past a defender, and struck into the left corner for 2–0.
The final whistle confirmed an important win for the blue-and-yellow side. Goalkeeper Anatolii Trubin made several decisive saves, and Ukraine capitalized on their chances late in the match to secure three crucial points in the World Cup qualification race.