Levi Rothermund
International football returns to Bergen as Poland and Ukraine lock horns at Brann Stadion in a June phase friendly. Both sides feature new faces in the dugout—Jan Urban for Poland, Andrea Maldera for Ukraine—who are still molding their squads ahead of the summer’s packed calendar. Recent results show both teams are capable of mixing it with stronger opponents, but neither has played in the last month, which could mean some rust or tactical surprises. The match serves as a chance for both coaches to experiment before more competitive fixtures.
Among the names to keep an eye on: Poland’s creative midfielder Piotr Zieliński, who has a knack for unlocking defences, and Ukraine’s Mykhailo Mudryk, whose pace down the wing can shift the flow of a game instantly. Both are game-breakers in their own right and should see plenty of the ball here.
Hot stat: Poland and Ukraine each boast a 50% win rate from their two matches this year, showing neither is to be underestimated despite a lack of recent action.
| 🏆 Tournament: | International Friendly 2026 |
| 🏟 Venue: | Brann Stadion, Bergen |
| 🗓️ Date: | 31.05.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 17:30 CEST |
Poland vs Ukraine prediction
The best value on this matchup looks to be a draw or a narrow Poland win, but our pick leans toward Poland edging it. Bookmakers are slightly favoring the Poles with a 45% win probability compared to Ukraine’s 27%, which is justified by Poland’s marginally steadier recent form and slightly higher pedigree in recent friendlies. The last two outings for both teams show they can score and concede against mid-tier European opposition, but neither side has displayed real defensive authority.
Neither team tends to rack up yellow cards or fouls in bunches, which usually makes for a fairly open game. Both Poland and Ukraine have hovered around average ball possession and have not shown a tendency to dominate or concede control in recent friendlies. This balance suggests a measured contest, with neither side likely to run away with it. Set-pieces could play a role—corners, in particular, are likely to rack up given the attacking intent both squads have shown when fielding their strongest lineups.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Draw at Halftime |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Poland’s recent games hint at a team that can both thrill and frustrate their supporters. The last match, a 2-3 defeat to Sweden, exposed defensive frailties but also underlined their ability to find the net—scoring twice against a well-organized Swedish backline. Prior to that, they beat Albania 2-1, mixing attacking creativity with lapses at the back. The scorelines suggest a side still trying to find the right blend under Jan Urban, but one that rarely fails to create chances.
Ukraine’s last game, a 1-0 win over Albania, brought a clean sheet, but previous results highlight inconsistency—conceding three to Sweden and four to France, but also managing a confident 2-0 result against Iceland. Andrea Maldera’s team can deliver quality spells but are vulnerable to lapses, especially when pressed high or when trying to build from the back. Ukraine’s attack, led by Mudryk and supported by a mobile midfield, is more dangerous than their defensive record would suggest.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Poland | Ukraine |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 0 | 0 |
| Total shots | 0 | 0 |
| Free kicks | 0 | 0 |
| Corner kicks | 0 | 0 |
| Total fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 0 | 0 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 0 |
| Offsides | 0 | 0 |
🚨Check out our dedicated Poland vs Ukraine stats page for more info.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Poland the favourite
- Moneyline Poland 2.14 | Ukraine 3.55
- Draw 3.36
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.11 | Under 2.5 1.71
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.95 | No 1.85
Bookmakers clearly lean toward Poland but without full conviction, as the draw is priced relatively close. Over 2.5 goals offers a fair return and aligns with the tendency of both sides to concede and score. BTTS also holds value—neither defense inspires total trust and attacking talent exists on both rosters. Odds reflect a contest likely decided by small margins, possibly individual errors or moments of creativity.
Ukraine. Source: Official Facebook
Possible Starting Lineups
Poland possible starting eleven
- GK: Wojciech Szczęsny
- DF: Bartosz Bereszyński, Jan Bednarek, Jakub Kiwior, Tymoteusz Puchacz
- MF: Grzegorz Krychowiak, Piotr Zieliński, Jakub Moder
- FW: Karol Świderski, Arkadiusz Milik, Przemysław Frankowski
This lineup blends experience at the back with creativity and energy in midfield. Szczęsny remains the obvious first choice in goal. Krychowiak anchors the midfield, while Zieliński is the one to unlock defenses. Up top, Milik and Świderski can both drop deep or stretch the backline. Poland will likely line up in a 4-3-3, seeking control in midfield and width from the fullbacks.
Ukraine possible starting eleven
- GK: Andriy Lunin
- DF: Vitaliy Mykolenko, Illia Zabarnyi, Mykola Matviyenko, Oleksandr Tymchyk
- MF: Taras Stepanenko, Ruslan Malinovskyi, Mykhailo Mudryk
- FW: Roman Yaremchuk, Artem Dovbyk, Viktor Tsygankov
Ukraine’s likely XI features Lunin in goal, protected by a familiar back four. Midfield has a mix of steel and creativity, with Mudryk operating as a wide playmaker rather than a pure winger. Up front, Dovbyk and Yaremchuk are both physical and intelligent, while Tsygankov provides additional penetration. Expect a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 depending on Maldera’s preference, focusing on transitions and quick counters.
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Poland. Source: Official Facebook
TipsGG Match Prediction
We think Poland have the slight edge, mainly through their midfield’s ability to dictate play and their more consistent attacking options. Ukraine’s threat on the counter keeps this from being a one-sided call. With both teams likely to find the net, a 2-1 or 2-2 scoreline feels realistic. Poland’s higher win probability in the odds isn’t overwhelming, but it’s justified by recent displays and a slightly deeper squad. Our punters see the best value in BTTS and Over 2.5 goals markets, with a small lean toward Poland for the outright win.
