Ukrainian national team faces qualification battles: bookmakers’ odds and chances for 2026 World Cup
On Tuesday, September 9, the Ukrainian national football team faces a critical test in the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, scheduled to take place away against Azerbaijan.
This clash is of utmost importance for Ukraine’s aspirations to secure a spot in the tournament’s finals.
Fans and enthusiasts can follow the match via live text coverage on ZN.UA.According to betting company analyses, expectations are leaning toward Ukraine’s victory.
The odds for Ukraine’s win are at 1.59, indicating a strong confidence in their chances.
A draw is valued at 4.10, while the home team, Azerbaijan, has odds of 6.00 for victory.
The most likely exact score predicted by bookmakers is a 1:1 draw, with a coefficient of 6.20.The game will be held at the Tofik Bakhramov Republican Stadium in Baku, with the kickoff scheduled for 19:00 Kyiv time.
Both teams started their Group D campaigns with losses: Ukraine lost 0:2 to France in Poland, while Azerbaijan was defeated 0:5 away by Iceland.
The winner of this group will earn a direct ticket to the World Cup, while the second-placed team will have a chance to qualify through playoffs.The 2026 World Cup finals are set to run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
For Ukraine, this tournament is especially significant, as every match now carries high stakes in the effort to secure a spot on the world’s biggest football stage.Earlier reports highlighted the emotional toll of ongoing conflicts, including news that a Ukrainian player’s house was damaged due to Russian shelling.
This adds a poignant context to their qualification journey.
Meanwhile, the team continues to work on recovery and preparation for crucial matches in this demanding qualification campaign.