Ukraine Women secure narrow 1-0 victory over Slovakia Women in World Cup playoff first leg

Ukraine Women claim vital first-leg win

Ukraine Women recorded a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Slovakia Women on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at Košická futbalová aréna in Kosice. The decisive goal came just before half-time, courtesy of Veronika Andrukhiv, who struck in the 45th minute to give the hosts a crucial advantage in the Playoff Phase - First Round of the FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifying - UEFA. The win extends Ukraine's aggregate lead to 4-1 over Slovakia, putting them in a strong position to progress to the next stage.

Andrukhiv's timely strike separates the sides

The only goal of the match arrived right on the stroke of half-time when Veronika Andrukhiv found the net for Ukraine Women, making it 1-0 at 45 minutes. The goal proved decisive as Slovakia Women were unable to find an equaliser in the second half. This marked Ukraine's second consecutive victory over Slovakia within the qualifying campaign, having also beaten them 3-1 in the previous meeting on 9 October 2026, this time away from home.

Discipline and substitutions

Discipline was tight in the match with just two yellow cards issued. Martina Surnovská of Slovakia Women was booked in the 50th minute, while Tamila Khimich of Ukraine Women received a yellow card in the 71st minute. No red cards were shown to either side, allowing both teams to maintain full strength. Ukraine made five substitutions during the match compared to Slovakia’s three, potentially reflecting tactical adjustments as the game progressed.

Statistics and impact on the standings

Official match statistics were not recorded for possession, shots, corners, fouls, saves, or offsides, indicating a lack of detailed data available from the fixture. However, this 1-0 victory improves Ukraine Women’s standing dramatically in the playoff phase, widening their aggregate lead to 4-1. Slovakia Women remain third in their qualifying group with six points from six matches, having won two and lost four. They have struggled defensively, conceding 17 goals while scoring eight, leaving them with a goal difference of minus nine. Ukraine’s recent form shows a tough campaign with one win and four losses in their last five encounters, but this playoff advantage could be pivotal.

Looking ahead

With this narrow home victory, Ukraine Women enter the second leg of the playoff with confidence. Slovakia Women will be under pressure to overturn a three-goal deficit if they are to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Both teams will look to adjust their tactics and personnel as they prepare for the return fixture, where the stakes will be even higher.

Before kick-off

Goals and key moments

Match statistics