Sonia Bermúdez: “We begin a new journey”

After revealing the names of the 25 players who will begin the qualification campaign for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil against Iceland and Ukraine, Sonia Bermúdez addressed the media in the Salón Villalonga.

The head coach began her remarks with words of affection and encouragement for players currently recovering from injury, as well as for Irene and Esther as they embrace motherhood:

“I want to mention Laia Aleixandri. From here, we know how mentally strong she is and we’ll be waiting for her. She has been through the youth ranks and any coach would want her in their team — she’s an example on and off the pitch. I’d also like to mention Erika González and Silvia Lloris. With their mentality, they will work extremely hard. We send them our strength and support.”

Regarding the difficulty of selecting the squad, Bermúdez acknowledged how challenging the process has been:

“The list is based on sporting performance. It’s becoming harder and harder to select the squad. We focus on performance. Three months have passed since the Nations League, and now these are the 25 players who will be with us. We must remain cautious — we have tough opponents, and we cannot take for granted that we’ll be in Brazil.”

She also emphasized that “our list is dynamic, not closed. We move from training camp to training camp, and there is a lot of talent.”

Performance has brought Misa back into the national team, and the coach spoke about her return:

“She’s back on merit. At the start of the season she wasn’t a starter. We focus on sporting performance. She’s a goalkeeper who has taken her opportunity. I had the privilege of playing with her at Atlético when she was 17. This is a reward for performance. The most important thing is to make the list. There are goalkeepers who have missed out despite being at a very high level. We tell them to keep working to earn their place — that’s what matters most.”

With “eleven changes in the squad,” as Bermúdez reflected, communication is fundamental and a key aspect of her leadership:

“I like to speak with the players — communication is important.”

After winning the Nations League, the focus now shifts to Brazil 2027:

“We’re beginning a new journey, but not a new era. This is a different competition. The message is that performance prevails above all. If you are performing well, the doors of the National Team are open. Competition is healthy. The standards are high. Selecting the squad is very difficult. These are not easy opponents — Iceland are very tall, very physical, and very strong. Any team can challenge you. The players who are here have earned it and are more than ready to compete with the National Team.”

Many of the new additions are playing abroad, and the coaching staff are monitoring all players, both in Spain and overseas:

“For us, it’s a pleasure to travel around the world to watch all our players. What we demand is competitiveness. They have to fight to keep their place.”

Real Sociedad player Agirrezabala is another of the young talents highlighted by Bermúdez:

“Aiara is a young player you see at Real Sociedad, and we want to take care of her. We’re grateful to her club for their support. She’s 17, coming through the youth ranks and knocking on the door. She’s defensively strong, plays as a wing-back, she’s U-20 level — but we will be patient with her and with the other young players.”

Finally, Bermúdez encouraged supporters to fill Castalia:

“I encourage the fans to come to the match. The weather will be good, so we urge them to join us because we’re going to need them — the opponent will demand a lot from us.”

Listen again to the head coach’s comments following the squad announcement for the first two Group A3 qualifying matches on the road to Brazil 2027.