The Ukraine national football team has made an unusual decision regarding the organization of its preparation for the November group stage matches of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League. The team will hold its training camp directly on the territory of Ukraine rather than abroad, as has frequently been practiced in recent years. This is reported by Sport RBC.UA, citing journalist and insider Igor Burbas.
Second home training camp since the start of the invasion
The arrival of the players to the 'blue-and-yellow' camp is scheduled for November 8–9. The starting stage of the preparation process will take place in Uzhhorod, marking only the second time a training camp has been held inside the country since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Choosing a Ukrainian venue for the start of training highlights the coaching staff's desire for maximum logistical compactness before two crucial matches.
Transit hub in Košice
On November 12, Andrea Maldera's charges will travel to Košice, Slovakia, from where the team will fly to Belfast for their first match. The Slovak city will serve as the transit and training center throughout the November series of games: after the match in Belfast, the Ukrainian delegation will return to Košice on November 15, where they will hold the final stage of preparation for the nominally home fixture against Georgia, scheduled for November 17.
Two matches that will determine tournament fate
The first of the two final matches against Northern Ireland will take place on November 14 away. Immediately after the game, on November 15, the team will return to Košice. Then on November 17, the Ukraine national team will play a nominally home fixture against Georgia. Both matches are of key importance for the national team's further tournament prospects.
Tournament standings: Ukraine in third place
Following four played rounds of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League group stage, the Ukraine national team occupies the third position in its group. The Ukrainian team has four points — one win, one draw, and two losses. Thus, the upcoming November series will be decisive: the results in the matches against Northern Ireland and Georgia will directly determine the 'blue-and-yellow' chances of further progression in the standings.
In the provided footage, Ukraine national team players stand in a row wrapped in national flags before the start of the match at the stadium in Košice — a city that this time will serve as the main focal point for the team's preparation ahead of two key fixtures.
