Ukraine's U19 national soccer team has qualified early for the 2026 European Championship

Ukraine U19 national football team qualified early for Euro 2026. This happened following the results of the second round matches.

Ukraine U19 won both opening matches in the European Championship qualification. First, the Ukrainians narrowly defeated Northern Ireland, then beat Kazakhstan 3:0.

With six points, Ukraine U19 could count on early qualification from the group. This would have happened if Northern Ireland had not lost their match against Romania — the only team the ""blue and yellow"" have not yet played in the elite round.

The Romania U19 — Northern Ireland U19 match ended in a 0:0 draw. As a result, Ukraine wins its elite round qualifying group early: it holds a three-point advantage over closest pursuer Kazakhstan and cannot lose this position thanks to the head-to-head result.

Standings. Group 5

Ukraine — 6 points (2 matches), 4:0 (goal difference)

Kazakhstan — 3 points (2), 2:3

Northern Ireland — 1 point (2), 0:1

Romania — 1 point (2), 0:2

Ukraine U19 reach the final stage of the youth Euro for the second time in three years. In 2024, the Ukrainians reached the semi-finals, which earned them qualification for the 2025 U20 World Cup. However, they did not participate in the previous continental youth championship.

Ukraine U19 also became the first team to qualify for the UEFA Euro 2026 youth tournament through qualification. Alongside them, Wales (host nation) and six other qualifying group winners will take part.

The UEFA Euro 2026 youth tournament will take place from 28 June to 11 July.