World Cup Qualification 2026: Azerbaijan-Ukraine, the likely lineups

Azerbaijan and Ukraine, both still stuck with zero points in World Cup 2026 qualifying Group D, face each other at 6 p.m. at the ‘Tofiq Bahramov Stadion’ stadium in Baku. Azerbaijanis and Ukrainians seeking redemption to get back into the world race that also involves France and Iceland.

Abbasov, who replaces the exonerated Santos, assesses a more covered 3-5-2 to face the guests: on the flanks ready Huseynov and Cafarquliye, while the midfield trio should consist of Abdulazade, Mahmudov and Ibrahimli. In attack, space is given to the tandem formed by Akhundzada and Emreli.

On the other side, Rebrov could confirm confidence in Kalyuzhny in the midfield, with Zubkov, Yarmoluyk, Sudakov and Gutsulyak completing the thick midfield, all supporting Roma’s center forward Artem Dovbyk.

Probable lineups

Azerbaijan (3-5-2): Mahammadaliev; Badalov, Mustafadza, Dadhamirov; Huseynov, Abdulazzada, Mahmudov, Ibrahmli, Cafarquilyev; Akhundzada, Emreli. Coach: Abbasov.

Ukraine (4-5-1): Trubin; Lonoplya, Zabarnyi, Matvilienko, Zinchenko; Zubkov, Yarmoluyk, Sudakov, Kalyuzhnyi, Gutsulyak; Dovbyk. Coach: Rebrov.