UAF Rules Out Replacing Rebrov — Opts for Stability Ahead of Play-Off with Sweden
UAF President Andriy Shevchenko officially announced that a replacement for the head coach is not being considered — the decision is related to contractual obligations and preparation for the decisive 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
February 9, 2026 · 2 min read
Why the UAF is keeping Rebrov in his post
The Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) does not plan to dismiss the national team’s head coach Serhii Rebrov at this time. UAF president Andriy Shevchenko said this, reported UNN. This position has both a legal and sporting dimension: the contract is valid until the end of the World Cup, and the national team faces key decisive matches.
“We are not considering replacing Serhii Stanislavovych now, so he can continue to work calmly.”
— Andriy Shevchenko, president of the UAF
Statistics and timing
Rebrov took charge of the national team in June 2023. Under his leadership the team has played 32 matches: 15 wins, 8 draws and 9 losses (according to UAF data). This record does not render him ineffective, but criticism cannot be dismissed entirely — which is why the decision to keep the coach is supported by the argument of stability ahead of the play-offs.
The play-off as the decisive factor
The next match is the play-off semi-final of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Sweden. If successful on 31 March, Ukraine will play the play-off final against the winner of the Poland — Albania tie. A spot at the World Cup is at stake. These calendar realities make a coaching change risky: any internal reshuffle reduces the time available for tactical and psychological preparation.
What this means for the team and supporters
The UAF’s decision can be read through the lens of risk management: a replacement during the preparation period creates additional uncertainty, whereas keeping the coaching staff provides a chance to refine playing schemes and select an optimal lineup. The football community points out that what matters now are results on the pitch, not personnel debates in the media.
Conclusion
The UAF has opted for stability under pressure from results: contractual obligations and the play-off calendar outweighed arguments for an immediate change. The coming weeks will show whether this decision meets expectations — from the federation’s leadership to every supporter hoping to see the national team at the 2026 World Cup.
