Ukraine fans in tears at Wales World Cup play-off as refugees gather in Cardiff while friends are targeted by Russian missiles back home

Ukrainian refugees resettled in Cardiff gathered to watch their country take on Wales in the major World Cup play-off final on Sunday. Both countries have been bracing themselves for a historic encounter at Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday, June 5, with a place at the World Cup in Qatar later this year at stake.

As well as gathering in unofficial fan zones across the city, 100 tickets were made available to refugees who have settled in Wales as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. There were emotional scenes inside the ground as the game kicked off, with some shedding tears in the stands. You can follow live Wales v Ukraine updates here.

The Football Association of Wales had been working with the Welsh Government to make tickets available to displaced families in Wales as a result of the war in Ukraine. The Ukrainian FA, with assistance from the FAW, is also believed to be selling their standard 5% allocation of tickets for the World Cup play-off final.

A group of Ukrainian fans gathered at Corporation Yard pub in Canton to watch the match, including refugees who have recently arrived in Cardiff.

One fan, Oskana, arrived in Cardiff three weeks ago. Ahead of the match she said: "I feel very nice and calm here. Welsh people are so open-hearted and so kind. What Welsh people do is from the depths of their hearts.

"My parents are still in Ukraine. I speak to them every day. They are so excited about this match, everyone will be watching the game back home. Today is only about football. Football is not war, football unites people. What team will win is it not important. I want Ukraine to win but if Wales win a part of me will be happy.”

Another supporter, Natalia, lives in Cardiff but is from Poland. She helped establish