Who will be the coach of the Ukrainian national team after Sergei Rebrov is one of the most discussed questions among fans after the failure to qualify for the World Cup 2026. Among the main candidates is Myron Markevich, who has already worked with the national team, as well as possible internal solutions with the participation of Andrey Shevchenko. In the search for a new head coach of the Ukrainian national team, foreign specialists and the option of maintaining the current headquarters are also being considered. The decision, who will lead the Ukrainian national team, will be a key factor in preparation for the next tournaments - including the European Football Championship 2028 and the long-term goal of reaching the World Cup 2030.
Failure to qualify for the Championship world football 2026 for the Ukrainian national team was not just a sporting failure, and a trigger for a large-scale discussion around the future of the national team. After losing to the Swedish national football team in the decisive match, fans and experts began to actively discuss the possible resignation of Sergei Rebrov. No formal decision has been made yet, but the information field is already saturated with rumors, insiders and candidates for the post of head coach.
The context of the burglary: numbers and facts
If you put aside your emotions, the picture looks rather dry and even alarming. Ukraine showed unstable results in the qualifying round:
- victories alternated with losses of points against equal opponents
- low performance in key matches
- problems with the implementation of chances
According to preliminary selection statistics:
- average goals per match - approx. 1.2
- missed - 1.1
- winning percentage - less 50%
For comparison: teams, qualified directly for the tournament, on average had more 60–70% wins and scored 1.8+ goals per game. These numbers only confirm: Ukraine was not ready for the decisive stages of qualifying.
Rebrov: credit of confidence or period?
The appointment of Sergei Rebrov was initially perceived as a logical step - a coach with European experience, understanding of the system and authority among players. However, the result is the main criterion. And he's gone.
However, the situation is not clear:
- the team is experiencing a generational change
- many players are unstable at club level
- The pressure on the team is now higher, than ever
Therefore, the question is not only about the coach, but also in the systematic work of the entire vertical of football.
Markevich - a variant from the past with an eye on the future?
Miron Markevich unexpectedly became one of the most discussed candidates. His name evokes nostalgia: he was already acting head coach of the national team, but never got a full chance to gain a foothold.
Arguments for:
- experience working with Ukrainian players
- flexibility in tactics
- the ability to get the most out of limited resources
There is skepticism too: age, long absence from the top level and the issue of adaptation to modern football. But in the context of the long-term goal - reaching the World Cup 2030 or successful performance at the European Football Championship 2028 — his candidacy again becomes relevant in discussions.
Alternatives: who else is in the pool
Looking at a wider range of candidates, there are few options:
- Andrey Shevchenko - already worked with the national team, currently focused on management role
- foreign specialist - option, which is discussed periodically, but is rarely implemented due to the budget and the specifics of Ukrainian football
- maintaining the current headquarters is a compromise solution
Interesting nuance: exactly Andrey Shevchenko how the head of the country's football system can play a key role in Rebrov's fate. And the script, in which the coach is given one more cycle - until the next World Cup - looks quite realistic.
What's next
The Ukrainian national team finds itself at a fork in the road. A quick change of coach can have an emotional effect, but does not guarantee results. Retaining Sergei Rebrov is a bet on stability, but with the risk of repeating mistakes.
The main question now is not the surname, and in strategy:
- is the federation ready to build a long cycle
- will there be a focus on youth
- Will there be a clear gaming philosophy?
Failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup is not a final, a painful restart point. And from that, what decision will be made now, directly depends, will we see Ukraine at major tournaments at the end of the decade.
