PREVIEW | The Road to Brazil Runs Through Iceland

The Spanish national team face Iceland in what is, quite simply, the defining match of their qualifying campaign. A result that could secure direct qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 is on the line. Sonia Bermúdez’s side are determined to reach the global showpiece and, as reigning world champions, earn the opportunity to defend the title won in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.

Victory against Iceland is the key. Claiming the final three points available in Group A3 on Matchday Six would strengthen Spain’s grip on top spot and guarantee direct qualification for the World Cup.

Spain have more than one incentive in Reykjavík. Alongside the prospect of securing an immediate place in Brazil, they could also record their first-ever victory on Icelandic soil, something they have yet to achieve. It represents an additional challenge for Sonia Bermúdez’s team, who are fully aware of the task ahead. As captain Irene Paredes explained in the build-up to the match, the team must be “at 100 per cent” to win what she expects to be a demanding encounter.

The head coach echoed that sentiment:

“Everyone wants to beat Spain and they will come out very strongly. They are a very powerful team in the air, in one-on-one duels and from set pieces. They transition quickly and have pace in attack. We will try to score as early as possible.”

Squad Numbers Confirmed for Iceland v Spain

Qualification for what would be Spain’s fourth consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup — following appearances in Canada 2015, France 2019, and Australia & New Zealand 2023 — is within the players’ grasp.

That is why tonight’s fixture carries such significance. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 CEST (live on La 2), with far more than three points at stake. A victory would guarantee Spain’s place in Brazil, while matching England’s result against Ukraine would also be enough to secure qualification.

Sonia Bermúdez’s side currently sit top of Group A3 on 12 points, level with England but ahead on the strength of an impressive campaign that has seen them score a group-high 15 goals while conceding just twice.

Team Dossier: England and Iceland Fixtures

Iceland, currently third in Group A3 and ranked 17th in the FIFA Women’s World Ranking, will be Spain’s final obstacle at Laugardalsvöllur Stadium. The match will be officiated by Slovak referee Miriama Bočková.

Spain’s qualifying campaign began against Thorsteinn Halldórsson’s side, with a convincing 3–0 victory thanks to a Claudia Pina brace and a goal from Edna Imade. What began in Castellón now has the opportunity to come full circle in Reykjavík.

Spain will be aiming to complete that journey in style and take the final step on the road to Brazil.