Servicemen of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces, along with children of fallen and missing heroes, witnessed Ukraine’s convincing 2–0 victory over Iceland in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The visit of 120 Ukrainians to Poland was made possible through the cooperation of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the SOF Veterans Association, the Ukrainian Association of Football, the Football Veterans Association of Ukraine, and the Sobutskyi Family Charitable Foundation.
Military units select the most достойні (worthy) among their ranks - those who courageously defend the country every day - and such trips serve as both a moment of rest and a source of motivation to continue their service.
“I am coming for you” is the well-known motto of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces. But just as important is the fact that the SOF is a large, close-knit family where no one is left alone in the most difficult times.
The servicemen and children attended the national team’s pre-match training session, witnessed the final preparations for the game, and had the opportunity to speak with the president of the Ukrainian Association of Football, Andriy Shevchenko, head coach Serhii Rebrov, and the players.
The children’s fairytale continued the next day: boys and girls led the players of Ukraine and Iceland onto the pitch, lined up under the roar of the crowd, and sang the Ukrainian national anthem together. Perhaps it was the children’s positivity and sincerity that gave the national team the extra strength to tip the balance in their favor at the end of the match. And photos with the country’s top players will become treasured memories in family archives.
Beyond football, the participants also enjoyed a rich экскурсионная (sightseeing) program in Warsaw.
On the eve of the Ukraine vs Iceland match, a special game took place. A combined team of Ukraine national team veterans and Special Operations Forces servicemen faced a Polish all-star team.
The Ukrainian side featured well-known players such as Yevhen Seleznyov, Artem Fedetskyi, Andrii Donets, Yurii Pankiv, Andrii Khomin, and Valerii Fedorchuk, joined by fast and agile fighters from various SOF units. The squad turned out to be dynamic, distinctive, and truly energized.
The Polish team was led by Mariusz Lewandowski, well known to Ukrainian fans, who brought together players with experience at the highest level.
Before the match, the participants were addressed by First Vice President of the Ukrainian Association of Football Artem Stoianov.
SOF serviceman Mykola Kobilnyk, call sign “Eneiko,” presented letters of appreciation from the Commander of the Special Operations Forces, Oleksandr Trepak, to the match co-organizers Veronika Marchuk and Mykola Shpakovskyi, and also expressed gratitude to the Polish side for its continued support of Ukraine.
Then all attention shifted to the pitch. Every player had the opportunity to take part and feel that much-needed boost after the intensity of combat days. Yevhen Seleznyov once again proved his scoring class by netting a hat-trick. The match ended 3–1 in favor of the Ukrainian team.
At all home matches of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers this autumn, the Ukraine national team received strong support from the military. Gathered in their sector, SOF fighters passionately cheered for Serhii Rebrov’s team, and the final moments of the match became a true climax of the football autumn.
Overall, our brave heroes had the opportunity to rest, experience a sense of peaceful life, play football, and hear words of gratitude from legends of Ukrainian sport.
An officer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and President of the Football Veterans Association of Ukraine, Oleh Sobutskyi, was unable to attend the events in Warsaw due to his military duties, but made every effort to ensure everything was organized at the highest level.
“The cooperation between the Ukrainian Association of Football, the Special Operations Forces, and the Football Veterans Association of Ukraine has been successful - our servicemen were present at all three matches,” said Oleh Sobutskyi. “Thanks to the comprehensive support of Andriy Shevchenko, everything went exceptionally well. The most important thing is to see the smiles of children and the gratitude toward our military for protecting and preserving the country. Looking ahead, we have many plans for the rehabilitation of servicemen and the organization of friendly matches. The people thanks to whom football continues to be played in Ukraine deserve the highest level of attention and support.”
Благодійна організація “Благодійний фонд “Фундація УАФ” є неприбутковою, недержавною організацією, засновником якою виступає Громадська Спілка “Українська Асоціація Футболу”
Політика конфіденційності
