Photo: uaf
Ukraine’s U-17 national team opened their Euro 2026 qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Montenegro.
The Blue-and-Yellows conceded midway through the first half, when Nemanja Kljajević found the net for the hosts. After the break, Ukraine equalized as Kyrylo Serdiuk capitalized on a goalkeeper’s mistake to chip the ball into an open goal. Despite applying late pressure, the Ukrainians were unable to secure the winner before the final whistle.
Under coach Oleksandr Sytnyk, Ukraine will face Estonia on October 4 in their second group match, followed by a decisive clash with Italy on October 10.
The qualifying format sees 14 group winners and 14 runners-up from the first round advance to Round 2 in League A, while the remaining 26 sides continue in League B. Teams progressing in League A will compete in spring 2026 for seven spots at the Euro 2026 U-17 finals. Estonia, as tournament host, has already secured automatic qualification. Additionally, the League A second-round matches will double as qualifiers for the 2026 U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
