• Loading stock data...
Saturday, October 18, 2025

Ukraine’s Improbable Soccer Run Continues With Euros Qualification

  • The country reaches its first major soccer tournament since Russia’s invasion began.
  • Fox, Fubo, and TelevisaUnivision are set to gain a further lift in the highly anticipated event.
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

One of sport’s most remarkable—and unlikeliest—stories in years is now unfolding, and a trio of North American media companies are poised to be among the primary beneficiaries. 

Ukraine qualified for the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship, commonly known as the Euros, late Tuesday with a dramatic comeback victory over Iceland. The win clinched the country’s first qualification to a major soccer tournament since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in early ’22. A potential qualification by Ukraine to the World Cup that year fell just short with a playoff loss to Wales.

Because of the ongoing war, Ukraine’s national team has not played a home game in more than two years, staging games over that time in the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, and Slovakia. The win carries additional resonance for Ukrainian citizens, as the Euros qualification arrives amid renewed bombing in the country by Russian forces.

“Whenever Ukrainians face difficulties but do not give up and continue to fight, Ukrainians certainly win,” the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, posted on X. 

Ukraine’s appearance in the Euros—expected to be a large-scale display of national pride—starting in June gives even more prominence to the event, which will be carried in English in the U.S. by Fox Sports and sublicensee Fubo, and in Spanish on TelevisaUnivision platforms. Currently ranked 24th in global FIFA standings, Ukraine will compete in the tournament’s Group E with Belgium (4th), Romania (45th), and Slovakia (48th). 

“Both before and after the [final qualifying] matches, we said that these victories are for our country, [our] people, the defenders who defend our freedom,” said Ukraine coach Serhiy Rebrov. “Everyone understands how important this victory is.”

Prize Money

Ukraine’s national team is also in line for a meaningful payday with the Euros qualification. UEFA finalized its prize distribution for the tournament late last year, keeping the same overall $360 million pool as the pandemic-delayed 2020 Euros. 

The country, like any other qualifier, will receive a minimum of $10 million, and could earn up to $30.5 million by winning the entire competition.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 19, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Botafogo owner John Textor before the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Rose Bowl Stadium.

UK Judge Rules John Textor Owes $97M Tied to Failed Soccer Deal

Textor plans to appeal, while Iconic Sports intends to collect.
Hansi Flick

Barcelona Players, Coach ‘Not Happy’ About Miami Game

La Liga is on the verge of relocating a December match.
FBI

Former Everton Bidder Indicted for $500 Million Fraud Scheme

777 Partners failed to complete its purchase of Everton in 2023.
Donald Trump

FIFA Backs Down, Suggests Trump Could Move World Cup Games

Trump has threatened to remove games from Seattle, San Francisco, and Boston.

Featured Today

May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
October 16, 2025

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Oct 6, 2024; London, United Kingdom; British and United States flags on the field at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

From Dublin to London: Vikings on NFL’s First Multi-Country Road Trip

The Jaguars have previously played consecutive games in the U.K.
Jun 13, 2018; Moscow, Russia; A general view of a beer stand inside of Luschniki Stadium one day prior to the start of the FIFA World Cup 2018.
February 12, 2025

Saudi Arabia Says No Alcohol at 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia won’t allow alcohol anywhere during the 2034 World Cup.
Noah Lyles (USA) wins the men’s 100m final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France, Monday, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024.
September 22, 2025

Summer Olympics Face a Climate-Induced Heat Check

The World Athletics president says the status quo is not sustainable.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
January 13, 2025

Gavin Newsom Reveals Status of 2028 Olympics As Los Angeles Wildfires Roar

Gavin Newsom says there’s a “Marshall Plan” to rebuild Los Angeles.
Paralympics Tiktok
August 25, 2024

The Wildly Successful Paralympics TikTok Account Isn’t What You Think

A cheeky TikTok account is opening the world of Paralympic sports.
August 11, 2024

Passing of the Torch: Los Angeles Set for Olympic Firsts in 2028

The city last hosted the Summer Olympics in 1984.
August 1, 2024

Saudi Arabia Submits Bold World Cup Bid That Includes a Cliffside Arena

The Saudis are proposing a new stadium in a futuristic city called Neom.