Ukraine vs Northern Ireland meet in UEFA Nations League League B Group B2 on Friday, 2 October 2026, with both teams level on four points after two matches. Ukraine are the nominal home side in Trnava, while Northern Ireland arrive unbeaten after a win over Georgia and a draw with Hungary.
The match takes place at Štadión Antona Malatinského in Trnava, Slovakia, with kick-off at 18:45 UTC. Ukraine have also taken four points from their opening two fixtures after beating Hungary and drawing with Georgia. With the group leaders meeting directly, the match can influence the shape of Group B2 before the October window moves into Matchday 4. Use the form, team news and H2H below to assess the fixture before making your own prediction on SportPesa.
Overview
| Match information | Details |
| Fixture | Ukraine vs Northern Ireland |
| Date | Friday, 2 October 2026 |
| Kick-off | 18:45 UTC / 20:45 local time in Trnava |
| Venue | Štadión Antona Malatinského, Trnava, Slovakia |
| Competition | UEFA Nations League 2026/27 |
| League / Group | League B — Group B2 |
Northern Ireland and Ukraine both have four points, while Hungary and Georgia have one each. Both leading teams have scored once and are yet to concede, which makes this a direct contest between the two early Group B2 leaders.
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Ukraine vs Northern Ireland team news and current form
Ukraine are without Vitaliy Mykolenko after the defender left the national-team camp because of injury and returned to Everton for recovery. Andrea Maldera’s wider squad includes Anatolii Trubin, Illia Zabarnyi, Mykola Matviyenko, Georgiy Sudakov, Viktor Tsygankov, Andriy Yarmolenko, Roman Yaremchuk and Vladyslav Vanat.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill named a young 28-player squad for the Nations League window, but the group has also been affected by injuries. Conor Bradley, Alistair McCann and Brad Lyons were unavailable when the squad was named, while Daniel Ballard later returned to his club after picking up an injury against Georgia.
Confirmed lineups and late changes should be checked close to kick-off. For live scores, lineups and match statistics, use SP Score.
Ukraine vs Northern Ireland H2H
Ukraine and Northern Ireland have met six times at senior international level before this Nations League fixture. Ukraine have three wins, Northern Ireland have one, and two matches have ended in draws, with Ukraine leading the aggregate goals 4-3.
One of the most memorable meetings came at UEFA EURO 2016, when Northern Ireland beat Ukraine 2-0. The teams last met before this Nations League campaign in a June 2021 friendly, which Ukraine won 1-0.
Key players and match factors
Ukraine’s attacking threat can come through Georgiy Sudakov, Viktor Tsygankov and the movement of their forwards, while Illia Zabarnyi remains an important figure in defence. Their main challenge is turning controlled possession into clear chances against a Northern Ireland side that has not conceded in the group.
Northern Ireland have relied on structure, work rate and quick transitions under Michael O’Neill. Shea Charles, Ethan Galbraith and Isaac Price can influence the midfield battle, while Trai Hume and Ciaron Brown provide defensive experience.
Set pieces, second balls and the first goal may become especially important in a fixture involving two teams that have each scored once in two Nations League matches.
For more current international football coverage from SportPesa Global, browse the SportPesa Global football hub.
Make your Ukraine vs Northern Ireland prediction on SportPesa
After reviewing the form, H2H and team news, you can make your own prediction by opening the SportPesa football markets. Find Ukraine vs Northern Ireland, compare the available markets and current odds, then choose the selection that matches your own view of the match.
Depending on market availability, options can include match result, double chance, over/under goals and both teams to score. If you are unfamiliar with the process, read how to place a bet on SportPesa before submitting your selection.
To understand how the prices and probability work before deciding, review SportPesa Global’s guide to sports betting odds. Make the final selection from your own assessment of the fixture and stake responsibly.
Ukraine vs Northern Ireland FAQs
When is Ukraine vs Northern Ireland?
Ukraine vs Northern Ireland takes place on Friday, 2 October 2026.
Where is Ukraine vs Northern Ireland being played?
The match is being played at Štadión Antona Malatinského in Trnava, Slovakia.
What time is Ukraine vs Northern Ireland?
Kick-off is scheduled for 18:45 UTC, which is 20:45 local time in Trnava.
What is the Ukraine vs Northern Ireland H2H record?
Before this fixture, Ukraine had three wins, Northern Ireland one, and two matches had ended in draws.
Where can I follow Ukraine vs Northern Ireland live?
SP Score provides live scores, lineups and changing match statistics, while SportPesa Global carries current football markets.
Where can I make my Ukraine vs Northern Ireland prediction?
Open the SportPesa football section, find the fixture, review the available markets and make the selection that matches your own assessment.
Conclusion
Ukraine vs Northern Ireland brings together the two early leaders in UEFA Nations League Group B2. Both sides have four points, one goal scored and no goals conceded after two matches, which gives the Trnava fixture added importance. Use the current form, team news and H2H to build your own view of the match. When you are ready, check the latest SportPesa football markets and make only the prediction you are comfortable with.
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