Ukraine to open 2026 Socca World Cup in Essen against Lebanon

Ukraine to open 2026 Socca World Cup in Essen against Lebanon AI

Ukraine's socca national team begins its 2026 World Cup campaign in Essen, Germany, on 28 August with a group-stage game versus Lebanon. The side, coached by Mykhailo Shevchenko, are in Group I with Lebanon, Pakistan and Georgia and travel with a 15-player squad. Sport.ua will publish live highlights in its Telegram channel; the site lists kick-off times for Ukraine's group matches on 28 Aug, 30 Aug and 1 Sep.

The 2026 Socca World Cup runs in Essen, Germany, from 28 August to 6 September. Ukraine will compete in Group I and plays Lebanon on 28 August at 13:00, Pakistan on 30 August at 16:00, and Georgia on 1 September at 22:00, according to Sport.ua.

Coach Mykhailo Shevchenko named a 15-player squad that includes two goalkeepers and 13 field players. Ukraine enter the tournament as the 2023 runners-up and reached the quarterfinals of the 2026 European Championship in May, where they lost to Spain on penalties.

Sport.ua notes the tournament format: 48 teams split into 12 groups, with 24 teams advancing to the playoffs and the eight best group winners earning direct spots in the round of 16. Sport.ua will publish match highlights live in its Telegram channel; readers should re-check kick-off times and viewing options with official organisers and broadcasters.

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