PRE-MATCH | Win or nothing

It’s another face-off between Spain and England. Another qualifying stage where both teams battle for top spot in their group. First, last year in the Nations League. Now, on the road to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027. Every encounter is a new test of strength, whether for supremacy in European or world football. After all, they remain the reigning world and European champions respectively, and once again they meet in a direct fight for first place in Group A3.

Following a narrow defeat at Wembley on matchday 3, this matchday 5 now brings another classic to the pitch. The fifth meeting in a year and a half. In the previous qualifying cycle, the Nations League, each side claimed one victory, with Spain ultimately securing qualification and the title.

These are the squad numbers for Spain vs England.

What each Spain–England clash consistently shows is how evenly matched they are, with tightly contested games decided by fine margins. Today, Spain must win — and win by more than one goal — to overturn the goal difference after their defeat in London. With that in mind, and with the ultimate objective of securing direct qualification for Brazil in sight, Sonia Bermúdez’s side will take to the pitch at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix (21:00, TVE 1).

Matches between Spain and England are defined by balance: since 2020 they have met eight times, with three wins for Spain, one draw, and four wins for England, all in closely fought contests.

Tonight’s clash in Palma is one of the most attractive fixtures in international football, set in a stadium that has already witnessed major wins and big scoring nights for Spain. On 28 November 2017, Spain defeated Austria 4–0 in a qualifying match there, with a young Alexia Putellas scoring and earning her 50th cap, alongside a goal from Irene Paredes and the presence of Patri Guijarro in a team that also saw Aitana Bonmatí make her senior debut. A precedent that points to another big night of football and entertainment in Son Moix, driven by spirit, effort, and belief — the essence of the national team, which will once again rely on the strength of Cata, Patri, Mariona, and Corrales to overcome Sarina Wiegman’s side.

Both teams have contested the last two major tournament finals, with Spain crowned world champions and England European champions.

Only three points and two goals separate Spain from outright top spot, a position they will relentlessly pursue tonight against a strong England side, with Sonia Bermúdez stressing: “We must be very efficient in attack.”

The national team has completed its preparations in Palma this week. The city has fully embraced the team since their arrival and will continue to do so from the stands today. Playing in her home region, Mariona Caldentey emphasized that the team “wants to reach the World Cup, and that can only be achieved by winning. If any team can do it, it is Spain.”

Ivana Martinčić will referee the match at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix.

Spain–England matches are always competitive, physical, fast-paced, and decided by small but crucial details. And tonight, to keep the ultimate objective intact, there is only one option: win or win.