2026 World Cup playoffs: where will Ukraine end up?

The Ukrainian national team finished the group stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with a 2-0 victory over Iceland, securing second place in the group and a spot in the playoffs.

Now, the Blue and Yellows are waiting for the final playoff lineup to be determined and the pots to be decided before the draw.

The following teams have advanced to the playoffs:

Based on the results of the group stage:
🇮🇹 Italy
🇺🇦 Ukraine
🇨🇿 Czech Republic
🇮🇪 Ireland
🇦🇱 Albania

Based on the Nations League rankings:
🇸🇪 Sweden
🇷🇴 Romania
🇬🇧 Northern Ireland

Can Ukraine make it into the first pot?

The position of teams in the pots will be determined by the FIFA world rankings, which will be updated on November 19.

Italy is currently guaranteed a place in the first pot.
Ukraine is currently second in the playoff rankings, so it is also in contention for a place in the first pot.
However, Ukraine could be overtaken by Turkey if it earns enough points in its match against Spain.

To remain in the first pot, Ukraine needs at least 5 out of 6 scenarios to play out in the groups where the winners have not yet been determined. At the moment, all the necessary scenarios are playing out, and in groups B and G, a change in the leader is almost unrealistic.

Which groups have not yet determined the winner?

Ukraine needs the following results:

Group A: Germany does not lose to Slovakia.
Group B: Switzerland is ahead of Kosovo.
Group C: Denmark does not lose to Scotland.
Group G: The Netherlands retains first place over Poland.
Group H: Austria does not lose to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Group J: Belgium does not lose first place (match against Liechtenstein)

Matches that are crucial for Ukraine:

November 17, 21:45: Germany — Slovakia
November 18, 21:45: Scotland — Denmark, Austria — Bosnia and Herzegovina

What does the first pot give?

An opponent from the fourth pot in the semifinals — that is, one of the Nations League teams (Sweden, Romania, Northern Ireland, or North Macedonia/Wales).
A home match in the playoff semifinals if the team is in the first or second pot.
The host will not have a final match — this will be determined by the draw.

What’s next?

November 18 — end of the group stage of qualifying
November 19 — FIFA ranking update and determination of pots
November 20 — playoff draw
December 5 — 2026 World Cup group draw
March 26 and 31, 2026 — playoff matches to determine World Cup participants