A Ukrainian player shared exclusive insights with Suspilne Sport following the national team’s early exit from World Cup qualification. Ukraine’s women’s futsal team failed to progress to the elite round, with a pivotal loss to France signaling a decline in the sport’s development.
Despite wins against Northern Ireland and the Czech Republic, Ukraine’s initial 1:3 loss to France. A team making its debut at the official level, cost them the top spot in their group. This defeat ended their chances of reaching the elite round for the 2025 World Cup.
Yuliya Forsyuk
Captain Yuliya Forsyuk, a 39-year-old veteran who had previously led the team to a silver medal at the European Championship, expressed deep frustration with the current state of women’s futsal in Ukraine. In her view, the lack of progress in the sport’s development has made their failure predictable.
“There were no strong emotions after the game, just a sense of emptiness,” Forsyuk shared. “Many of us had high hopes for this tournament, but there is a pattern here that’s hard to escape.”
Forsyuk highlighted the systemic issues within Ukrainian women’s futsal, pointing out the absence of a strong domestic league and insufficient generational renewal. Many Ukrainian players are compelled to seek opportunities abroad to maintain their careers, undermining the national team’s competitiveness.
“Without a strong domestic championship, the national team cannot succeed,” Forsyuk said. “We play in foreign leagues to stay in the game, but that’s not enough to compete at the highest level.”
Forsyuk also noted that Ukraine was considered a leading contender to qualify not just for the elite round, but for the World Cup itself. Due to its consistent presence in past European Championships. However, the aftermath of their Euro campaign has seen more setbacks than progress, with Ukraine playing only a handful of friendly matches, compared to France’s dozen.
the loss
Reflecting on the loss to France, Forsyuk felt that tactical errors and lack of match practice played a crucial role. “We underestimated them in the first half,” she explained. “Had we faced them later in the tournament, the outcome might have been different. The French team may not be as technically skilled as ours, but their discipline and preparation made a difference.”
Looking to the future, Forsyuk expressed doubt that the current approach would allow Ukraine to compete effectively, not only in future World Cups but even in the next European Championship. She pointed to Italy’s success, backed by a blend of local and Brazilian talent, as evidence of what a structured and well-supported national team can achieve.
“Changes were needed 2-3 years ago,” Forsyuk said, frustrated by the lack of action from those in charge. She emphasized that Ukraine’s players are just as talented and hardworking as those from leading futsal nations like Spain and Portugal, but without proper support, they are forced to leave the country to pursue their careers.
“If nothing changes, I might support the national team in a different role next time. But it’s hard to stay hopeful without systemic changes,” Forsyuk concluded, underscoring the urgent need for a shift in how women’s futsal is approached in Ukraine.
