Ukraine Stumble in Baku: Who’s to Blame for the World Cup Setback?

Ukraine’s national team find themselves in deep trouble after collecting just one point from a possible six in the September fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Following a defeat to France and a frustrating 1–1 draw against Azerbaijan in Baku, serious questions are now being raised about the future of head coach Serhiy Rebrov.

The numbers don’t lie — and the reality is harsh. From being hailed as “possibly the best Ukrainian team in history” just 18 months ago (a statement lacking much evidence), Ukraine have regressed into a side that can’t beat one of Europe’s lowest-ranked nations. It’s worth noting that Azerbaijan have drawn only twice in the past two years — the last time coming against Estonia in November 2024.

But Azerbaijan’s issues aren’t Ukraine’s concern. The real question is: what is going wrong with Rebrov’s team? As in the match against France, the Blue and Yellows looked disjointed and passive in the first half. While the Azeris don’t possess the quality of a World Cup finalist, Ukraine still failed to control the game or create meaningful chances — a worrying sign in a qualification group where every point counts.

The second half did offer a glimmer of hope. Ukraine came out with renewed intensity and were soon rewarded when Heorhiy Sudakov latched onto a low cross from Oleksandr Zubkov and calmly slotted home from the edge of the box. 1–0, and finally, some belief.

But the momentum didn’t last. An unfortunate handball by Oleksandr Zinchenko — confirmed after a VAR review — gave Emin Mahmudov the chance to equalise from the spot, and he made no mistake. Azerbaijan’s only real opportunity in the match turned into a crushing blow for Ukraine. 1–1.

Late attempts to salvage all three points fell flat. Ukraine looked desperate, not dangerous. And while some will argue that “there are still 12 points left to play for,” the writing may already be on the wall.

Next month’s trip to Reykjavik to face Iceland on October 10 could well decide Ukraine’s World Cup fate. Another slip-up, and hopes of making it to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada could vanish entirely.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Qualifiers

Azerbaijan - Ukraine 1:1 (0:0)
Goals: Sudakov, 51 (0:1); Makhmudov E., 72 (penalty) (1:1)

Azerbaijan: Magomedaliyev; Krivotsyuk; Mustafazada; Badalov; Khaibulaev (Abdullazade, 78); Jafarguliyev; Makhmudov E.; Aliyev G.; Dadashov Re. (Nuriev A., 66); Emreli (Madatov) (Qurbanly, 66); Akhmedzade (Bayramov T., 53)
Substitution: Bayramov T. (from 53); Qurbanly (from 66); Nuriev A. (from 66); Abdullazade (from 78)
Bench: Bayramov A.; Jafarov; Dasdemirov R-n; Huseynov Ab.; Huseynov J.; Ibrahimli; Kökcü; Nuriyev J.
Yellow Cards: Dadashov Re. 42; Makhmudov E. 84; Magomedaliyev 95

Ukraine: Trubin; Matviyenko; Konoplya; Zabarnyi; Kaliuzhnyi (Yarmoliuk, 61); Sudakov; Ocheretko (Shaparenko, 75); Zinchenko (Mikhaylichenko B., 84); Bondarenko A-m (Voloshyn N., 75); Vanat (Dovbyk, 61); Zubkov
Substitution: Yarmoliuk (from 61); Dovbyk (from 61); Voloshyn N. (from 75); Shaparenko (from 75); Mikhaylichenko B. (from 84)
Bench: Bushchan; Riznyk D.; Mykhavko; Svatok; Bondar V.; Nazarenko Ol-r; Hutsuliak
Yellow Cards: Kaliuzhnyi 57; Zinchenko 71; Shaparenko 93