Experienced forward takes responsibility for defeat and is ready to make way for the young
Ukrainian national team forward Roman Yaremchuk commented on the team’s exit from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. After the loss to Sweden (1:3), the 30-year-old player admitted that this qualifying cycle was his last chance to play in the World Championship.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing the player’s comments to Tribuna.com.
Also read: Is this the last match? Rebrov spoke about contract plans after the defeat
“Just ashamed”
Ukraine failed to qualify for the World Cup for the fifth consecutive time – the last time the “blue-yellow” team played in the World Cup was back in 2006, when current coach Sergey Rebrov was still a player. For Yaremchuk, this marks his second consecutive defeat in the decisive playoff stages (after 2022).
“This was my last chance to make it to the World Cup. What can I say? I’m ashamed. There are many things I could say now, but I don’t want to get personal. I’m just ashamed. It’s a disgrace,” the forward stated emotionally.
Despite playing his 66th match for the national team, Yaremchuk was unable to score against the Swedes. The only goal for Ukraine was scored by 20-year-old debutant Matvey Ponomarenko.
Faith in youth and generational change
Yaremchuk noted that the current squad is one of the youngest in Europe, and he sees this as a prospect for future tournaments.
“Good guys, they have a great future ahead. I hope they get their chance to go to the World Cup. Unfortunately, for me, this was my last opportunity. I will help them in any way I can. I’m sure they are hurting just as much right now,” added Roman.
Yaremchuk in the Ukrainian national team
Yaremchuk made his debut for the Ukrainian national team in 2018 under coach Andriy Shevchenko. He played his first match in the Nations League – against the Czech Republic (2:1).
A participant in Euro 2020 and 2024. He is the top scorer for Ukraine in the final stages of European Championships (3 goals). He scored important goals in matches against the Netherlands, North Macedonia, and Slovakia.
In total, he has played 66 matches for the national team, scoring 17 goals and providing 8 assists.
Earlier, we reported all the results of the World Cup 2026 qualifying playoffs.
