On 25 September, the Ukraine national football team will kick off the 2026/27 Nations League with an away match against Hungary. The match at the Puskás Arena in Budapest will kick off at 21:45 Kyiv time. The match will be streamed by the MEGOGO media service and broadcast free of charge on the «MEGOGO Sport» television channel. This will be the team’s first official match under the management of Andrea Malderi.
Briefly about the main points
- The match in Budapest will kick off at 21:45 Kyiv time.
- The free «MEGOGO Sport» channel is available on T2 and cable networks.
- FootballHub is preparing a pre-match studio programme and alternative commentary.
- In Group B2, Ukraine will also face Georgia and Northern Ireland.
- The winner of the quartet will be promoted directly to League A.
Additional viewing options and the new manager’s debut
TV channel «MEGOGO Sport» is available on T2 digital terrestrial television and via cable networks. FootballHub has announced a pre-match studio programme and alternative commentary, whilst TSN Prosport will be providing live text coverage of the match.
Andrea Maldera took charge of the national team in May 2026 following the end of his previous role Serhiy Rebrov. Ahead of the match, the Italian manager described the result as important, but also stated that his aim was to develop the team’s tactical and technical identity. He expects a closely fought match against an opponent who will have the support of the home crowd.
The September–October period will be a busy one: following the match against Hungary, Ukraine will play away against Georgia on 28 September, host Northern Ireland on 2 October, and play a nominally home return fixture against Hungary on 5 October. Malders has stated that he plans to rotate the squad to allow the players time to recover.
Their head-to-head record consists of just two friendly matches
Ukraine and Hungary have so far only played each other in friendly matches in 1992. The Hungarian national team won both matches: 3–1 in Uzhhorod and 2–1 in Nyíregyháza.
This match will be the first official encounter between the two sides. An English-Scottish refereeing team has been appointed for the match: the referee will be Jared Gillette, the person responsible for VAR will be Andrew Dallas.
Ukraine’s position in the group will determine which division it is drawn into
Ukraine are in Group B2 alongside Hungary, Georgia and Northern Ireland. The group stage will run until November, and the final standings will determine the team’s future status in the Nations League.
First place secures direct promotion to League A. The second-placed team in the group will qualify for promotion play-offs, the third-placed team will remain in League B, and the fourth-placed team will face a League C side in play-offs to retain their place in the division.
This format will apply during the transitional season prior to the competition reform: from the 2028/29 season, the tournament will switch to a system comprising three leagues of 18 teams each. Play-off matches between Divisions A/B and B/C are scheduled for 25–30 March 2027.
