Ukraine will return to the FIFA U-20 World Cup™ at Chile 2025 following a six-year absence, and they bring with them one of the most unique records at the global finals. Their first three participations in 2001, 2005 and 2015 all yielded last-16 exits, until Oleksandr Petrakov’s charges broke through that glass ceiling to win the tournament at Poland 2019 with a 3-1 win over Korea Republic.
Now under the stewardship of former international Dmytro Mykhaylenko, Ukraine booked their long-awaited return to the finals with a stunning 3-2 win over Italy in their final group match at the UEFA European U-19 Championship, lifting them over Norway and into the second automatic qualification berth. They advanced to the semi-final of that tournament, but were edged out by France in Belfast.
Ukraine Group F fixtures
27 September
Korea Republic-Ukraine (17:00 local time, Estadio Elias Figueroa Brander)
30 September
Panama-Ukraine (17:00 local time, Estadio Elias Figueroa Brander)
3 October
Ukraine-Paraguay (17:00 local time, Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Pradanos)
The coach: Dmytro Mykhaylenko
During a near-20-year career, midfielder Mykhaylenko played across Ukraine and enjoyed spells in Israel and Cyprus. After retiring in 2009, the Kirovograd-native went on to coach SC Dnipro-1 and in Cyprus with Pafos and Akritas Chlorakas before moving into the international scene in February of last year.
He arrived just in time for the U19 EURO qualifiers, where his attacking 4-3-3 system saw Ukraine hit eight goals while keeping three clean sheets to breeze to the finals. Once there, two 0-0 draws with Northern Ireland and Norway set up that final-day showdown with Italy, where his charges edged a topsy-turvy game 3-2.
Star player: Hennadii Synchuk
Winger Synchuk was already a member of Metalist Kharkiv’s first team by the time the EURO kicked off and lived up to his billing as one of Ukraine’s most influential players. After impressing in the stalemate with Northern Ireland, the tricky wide man netted a stunning 20-yard lob to open the scoring in that victory against Italy.
Earlier this year, the 19-year-old moved to MLS outfit CF Montreal in a multi-million dollar move. He has gone on to play 13 matches for the Impact, impressing with his eye for a pass and strong dribbling ability.
One to watch: Viktor Tsukanov
He may only be 1.7m tall, but all-action midfielder Tsukanov makes up for a lack of height with his quality on the field. He starred in Shakhtar Donesk’s U19 team last term, contributing to 25 goals from just 24 matches, including a six-match scoring streak and a hat-trick against LNZ Cherkasy, which has paved the way to a number of first-team opportunities.
For his country, the 19-year-old has impressed with his tenacity and combativeness in the centre of the park, and played in three of their four matches at the U19 EURO. If he can translate his Shakhtar youth level scoring to the international scene, he will certainly be one to keep an eye on in the Ukraine ranks.
