Ukraine to host Northern Ireland in Trnava as home fixtures remain staged abroad
September 26, 2026 10:30
Northern Ireland's Uefa Nations League match against Ukraine on Friday, 2 October will take place at the Anton Malatinsky Stadium in Trnava, Slovakia.
KEY CONTEXT
Since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukraine have been playing their home internationals outside the country. Venues in the Czech Republic, Poland, Spain and Germany have been used, and the Anton Malatinsky Stadium previously hosted Ukraine's 1-0 win over Malta in June 2023 in a 2024 European Championship qualifier.
Uefa permits Ukraine to host matches at venues of their choosing provided the location meets its regulations.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The Trnava fixture is the third of Ukraine's four matches in the current international break: they won 1-0 in Hungary on Friday, will play in Georgia on Monday, then face Northern Ireland in Trnava, followed by a home match against Hungary in Trnava.
Ukraine will also play Georgia in Trnava during November's international window.
Playing matches outside Ukraine has been common for Ukrainian clubs as well; this season Shakhtar Donetsk will stage their Champions League home games at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge.