Ukrainian football is entering the decisive phase of determining the composition of the Premier League for the 2026/27 season. Today, June 5, the first play-off matches will take place, which will decide the fate of several clubs. In two-legged ties, current elite participants will face the strongest teams from the First League.
According to the official UPL website, the main intrigues of the day will be the matches 'Alexandria' — 'Levyi Bereh' and 'Kudrivka' — 'Aghrobiznes'. The winners of these series will guarantee themselves a place in the top division for the next season.
'Alexandria' vs 'Levyi Bereh': a match for honor and a place in the elite
One of the main events of the day will be the match at the 'Nika' stadium in Alexandria. The vice-champion of last season, the team from Kirovohrad region, finished the current championship in 15th place in the standings. However, despite the low position, 'Alexandria' avoided direct relegation. This became possible because Lviv's 'Rukh', which took 14th place, voluntarily withdrew from the championship and decided to move to the Second League.
The opponent of the Alexandrians will be Kyiv's 'Levyi Bereh', which won the bronze medals of the First League. The opening game of this confrontation will start at 15:30. For the home team, this is a chance to confirm the status of a team capable of competing in the elite, and for the guests — an opportunity to establish themselves in the top division.
'Kudrivka' and 'Aghrobiznes': battle in Rivne
The second match of the day will be played by 'Kudrivka', which finished in 13th place in the elite. They will face Volochysk's 'Aghrobiznes', which took fourth place in the First League. Despite the fact that the match is nominally home for the team from Chernihiv region, the game will take place at the 'Avangard' stadium in Rivne. The match is scheduled to start at 18:00.
Play-off final and season summary
The play-off matches consist of two games. The return matches, which will finally determine the composition of participants for the next season of the Premier League, are scheduled for Tuesday, June 9. If the winners of the first match can maintain their advantage, they will retain their place in the UPL.
At the end of the 2025/26 season, 'Poltava' and the aforementioned Lviv 'Rukh' left the top division directly. At the same time, direct tickets to the elite have already been won by the First League triumphant — Chernivtsi's 'Bukovyna' and Odesa's 'Chornomorets', which finished second.
Where to watch the matches
All matches of the play-off tournament will be broadcast on the UPL.TV channel. A wide range of platforms are available for fans to watch:
- OTT services: MEGOGO, 'Kyivstar TV', Volia TV, Setanta Sports, SWEET.TV, Vodafone TV, Youtv and OmegaTV.
- Satellite television: VIASAT operator.
- National and local cable operators.
The results of these matches will become an important milestone in Ukrainian football, determining the balance of power before the start of the new season.