Brazil, Here We Come!

The reigning world champions have secured their ticket to Brazil, where they will defend the title won in Australia and New Zealand in 2023. Victory against Iceland would guarantee direct qualification, and Spain approached the decisive fixture with clear intent from the very first whistle.

Intermittent rain and chilly conditions greeted both teams at Laugardalsvöllur Stadium, but the match quickly came to life. Sonia Bermúdez’s side sought to dominate possession from the outset, looking to break down Iceland’s compact defensive structure through quick transitions and incisive movement.

Their breakthrough arrived after just five minutes. Alexia Putellas threaded a superb pass through the Icelandic defence, allowing Vicky López to race through and fire a powerful strike beyond Cecilía Rúnarsdóttir into the far corner to give Spain an early lead.

The lively Vicky López was again involved moments later, producing an excellent individual run before picking out Edna Imade, whose effort was denied by a last-ditch defensive intervention. Soon after, Rúnarsdóttir was called into action again to repel a close-range attempt from Salma Paralluelo as Spain continued to apply pressure.

Spain dominated possession and repeatedly threatened to extend their advantage. Vicky López tested the goalkeeper once more, while Corrales provided a constant outlet down the left flank. Patri Guijarro also came close after the half-hour mark, her powerful effort from the edge of the area narrowly clearing the crossbar.

With Spain firmly in control and creating chances through sustained periods of possession and intricate attacking combinations, a second goal felt inevitable. It finally arrived in the 38th minute when Edna Imade converted after being expertly picked out by Ona Batlle.

Just before the interval, Spain struck again. Once more it was Ona Batlle who supplied the assist, this time finding Salma Paralluelo, who finished confidently to make it 3–0 before half-time.

Sonia Bermúdez made two changes at the break, introducing Claudia Pina and Aitana Bonmatí in place of Salma Paralluelo and Mariona Caldentey respectively. The substitutions had an immediate impact.

Only minutes into the second half, Vicky López produced a moment of individual brilliance to score Spain’s fourth. Spotting an opportunity from distance, she unleashed a powerful and perfectly placed strike that flew into the net and capped an outstanding individual performance.

Further changes followed, with Clara Serrajordi replacing Patri Guijarro and Eva Navarro coming on for Ona Batlle. Iceland pulled a goal back shortly afterwards when Boana finished a counter-attack with a strike past Cata Coll in the 58th minute.

Spain responded in style. Claudia Pina restored the five-goal cushion with a superb effort that found the net via the inside of the post. Sonia Bermúdez then made another adjustment, introducing María Méndez for captain Irene Paredes in the 71st minute.

There was still time for one final goal. In the 84th minute, Aitana Bonmatí rounded off the scoring with Spain’s sixth of the evening, putting the finishing touch on a dominant display.

Spain conclude this final qualifying window in emphatic fashion, following up their victory over England with another convincing win against Iceland. The team finish top of Group A3 and secure direct qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.

It will be Spain’s fourth consecutive appearance at a Women’s World Cup. Brazil now awaits the reigning world champions.