Iceland vs Ukraine

The match between Iceland and Ukraine will be played at Laugardalsvöllur Stadium in Reykjavík, Iceland, on Friday, 10 October 2025. Kick-off is set for 20:45 local time. The game is part of the UEFA 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers, Group D. This fixture holds significant importance for both teams as they aim to secure crucial points in the race for qualification. The Laugardalsvöllur, known for its cold and windy conditions, is expected to host a strong crowd, with Icelandic supporters hopeful for an upset against a technically superior Ukrainian side.

In terms of squad news, Ukraine will be missing several key players. Oleksandr Zinchenko is sidelined due to a muscle injury, while Viktor Tsygankov also remains unavailable. These absences could force coach Serhiy Rebrov to make tactical adjustments, possibly relying on younger players such as Heorhiy Sudakov and Mykhailo Mudryk to step up. For Iceland, Orri Steinn Óskarsson is a doubt due to a thigh injury, while Willum Thór Willumsson and Valgeir Fridriksson are nursing minor knocks. Their absence could limit Iceland’s attacking options from the bench, though coach Åge Hareide has called up several domestic league players to strengthen depth.

Tactically, Iceland are expected to line up in a traditional 4-4-2 system, emphasizing defensive solidity, long balls, and physical duels. Hareide’s approach will likely focus on compact defense and quick transitions, exploiting set pieces and aerial battles, areas where Iceland has historically excelled. Ukraine, under Rebrov, are expected to use a 4-3-3 formation designed around possession-based football and quick attacking combinations through the flanks. The team’s creativity will depend heavily on Mudryk’s pace and Sudakov’s vision in midfield. Defensively, Ukraine will look to maintain a high line and press Iceland’s build-up early to prevent counterattacks.

Before the game, the press coverage in Iceland has centered on the home team’s resilience and the challenge of facing a technically gifted Ukrainian side. Local newspapers have highlighted Iceland’s recent improvement in attack but warned about their defensive vulnerabilities. In Ukraine, the media view this as a must-win match, stressing that despite the injury setbacks, Rebrov’s men should have the quality to secure three points. Analysts have pointed out the importance of maintaining focus in a difficult away environment and avoiding underestimating Iceland’s physical and aerial threat.

Football analysts in television studios have discussed how the game could be decided by small margins. They have emphasized that Iceland’s main advantage lies in their home conditions and set-piece effectiveness, while Ukraine’s technical superiority could dictate the rhythm if they control possession. Several pundits believe that substitutions and squad depth will play a vital role, particularly in the second half. The consensus among experts is that Ukraine enter the match as slight favorites, but Iceland’s determination and home crowd could make this encounter tighter than expected.

Watch and Download Iceland vs Ukraine full match replay and highlights, At Friday, October 10, 2025. The match played at Laugardalsvöllur, in World Cup Qualifying, UEFA.

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