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Stockholm, Sweden – The dream of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup is over for Ukraine, and Benfica midfielder Heorhiy Sudakov was visibly heartbroken after a 3-1 defeat to Sweden in the semi-final playoff on Thursday. A dominant performance from Viktor Gyokeres, with a hat trick, sealed the victory for the Swedes and left Sudakov and his teammates reeling.
“To be honest, it’s demanding to say anything,” Sudakov said after the match, as reported by multiple sources. “I’m a little ashamed of a game like this. It’s a pity for all of Ukraine. And the mistakes… I don’t even know how to explain them. Many individual, collective, and tactical errors. And, of course, it’s difficult when you concede a goal in such an important match after just five minutes.”
The defeat marks a significant setback for Ukraine’s national team, which has continued to compete on the international stage despite the ongoing conflict within the country. Sudakov, a key player for both Benfica and the Ukrainian national team, expressed his frustration with the team’s performance, acknowledging that they failed to capitalize on their opportunities while Sweden ruthlessly punished their errors.
Gyokeres, the former Sporting CP striker now playing for Arsenal, proved to be the difference-maker, consistently threatening the Ukrainian defense and ultimately scoring all three of Sweden’s goals. Sudakov was quick to acknowledge the Swede’s quality. “He’s an incredibly talented player. He doesn’t need many chances, and when he gets three, he takes all three. We, however, didn’t take ours. We need to be more focused.”
The 23-year-old Sudakov, who joined Benfica on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2025, has become a rising star in European football. His profile has steadily risen with consistent performances for both club and country, making this defeat particularly painful. He’s currently playing in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, and his development continues to be closely watched by clubs across Europe.
The match began poorly for Ukraine, conceding an early goal that set the tone for the remainder of the contest. Despite creating some opportunities, they were unable to break down a resolute Swedish defense and were ultimately overwhelmed by Gyokeres’ clinical finishing. The second goal further dampened spirits, leaving Ukraine with a mountain to climb.
Despite the disappointment, Ukraine’s head coach Serhiy Rebrov has confirmed that Sudakov and fellow Benfica player Anatoliy Trubin will be included in the squad for an upcoming friendly match against Albania. Rebrov emphasized the importance of representing the national team, stating, “Playing for the national team is an incredible privilege, it’s my childhood dream, no matter what kind of game This proves.”
This upcoming fixture against Albania will provide an opportunity for Ukraine to regroup and rebuild after this crushing defeat. While World Cup qualification is no longer possible for the 2026 tournament, the team will undoubtedly be looking to restore pride and prepare for future competitions. The match will be a chance for players like Sudakov and Trubin to demonstrate their resilience and commitment to the national team.
The loss is particularly stinging given the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, where football continues to serve as a source of national unity and morale. The team’s efforts to qualify for the World Cup were widely supported by the Ukrainian people, and this defeat will undoubtedly be felt deeply across the country.
Sudakov’s candid assessment of the match reflects the team’s collective disappointment. The acknowledgment of tactical and individual errors suggests a willingness to learn from this experience and improve in the future. The focus now shifts to the friendly against Albania and the long-term goal of building a competitive team capable of challenging for major tournament qualification.
For Sudakov, the season continues with Benfica. While his recent form has seen him lose some playing time with the arrival of Rafa Silva, he remains an important member of the squad. He has made 21 appearances for Benfica this season, scoring four goals and providing five assists. His performances will be crucial as Benfica look to compete on multiple fronts, including the UEFA Champions League.
The next challenge for Ukraine will be to channel this disappointment into motivation for future matches. Rebrov’s decision to retain the squad for the Albania friendly demonstrates his belief in the team’s potential and his commitment to building a strong national team. The road to recovery may be long, but the spirit of Ukrainian football remains unbroken.
What’s Next: Ukraine will face Albania in a friendly international on an unconfirmed date. Benfica will continue their Primeira Liga campaign, with Sudakov hoping to regain a starting spot in the team.
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