Announcement of the Team Squad
On August 28, 2026, the Russian Football Association (RFS) officially announced the squad for the national team for the upcoming qualifying matches for the 2028 European Championship. The squad includes 26 players, among whom a significant number are newcomers, promising to bring fresh ideas and approaches to the team’s play.
Thus, the coaching staff, led by Valery Karpin, is betting on youth potential, which may be a response to criticism regarding a lack of innovation in the team’s tactics. Notably, among the new faces is 20-year-old midfielder Alexey Sidorov, who had a successful season with Zenit, scoring 12 goals and providing 8 assists in 30 matches.
New Faces in the Team
Also included are two other young players: defender Kirill Smirnov from Spartak and forward Ivan Petrov from Lokomotiv. Smirnov, who is just 21 years old, was recognized as the best defender in the Russian Premier League for the 2025/2026 season, highlighting his excellent form and readiness for international matches.
Petrov, in turn, is one of the most promising forwards, having scored 15 goals last season. His inclusion in the squad could significantly strengthen the team’s attacking actions, especially in the context of upcoming matches against teams like the Netherlands and Sweden.
The Importance of the Qualifying Matches
The qualifying matches for the 2028 European Championship will begin in September 2026. The Russian national team is in a group with the Netherlands, Sweden, and Austria, making each game critically important for their chances of advancing to the final tournament. According to the rules, only the top two teams from the group will qualify for the finals, creating additional pressure on the coaching staff and players.
The total budget for preparing for the qualifying matches will be around 300 million rubles, which includes expenses for training camps, medical support, and logistics. It is important to note that a successful performance in the qualifiers could not only boost the team’s morale but also attract new sponsors and investors to Russian football.
New Tactical Changes
With the new squad, tactical changes in the game scheme are expected. Coach Valery Karpin may switch to a 4-3-3 formation, which would leverage the strengths of both new and experienced players. This formation allows for greater control in the midfield and more dynamic attacks, which could prove crucial in matches against strong opponents.
The change in tactics also implies a more active use of wing players, such as Alexey Sidorov and Ivan Petrov, who are capable of creating dangerous moments and increasing goal-scoring situations. This innovation could spark interest among fans and restore excitement to the national team’s play, which is one of the RFS’s priorities.
Reactions from Experts and Fans
Experts commenting on the new squad and changes within the team express cautious optimism. Football analyst and former Russian national team player Sergey Semak noted that «youth always brings fresh ideas and can surprise opponents.» He also emphasized the importance of support from fans, which can play a key role in the team’s success.
Among fans, there is also interest in the new squad. A survey conducted among 1000 fans showed that 68% of them support the coach’s choices and are ready to attend the stadium during the qualifying matches. This level of support could be a significant factor in creating a positive atmosphere around the team.
The Russian national football team is betting on youth, promising new tactical approaches and interesting changes in their game strategy.