Spain will defend its title of world champion at the 2027 Women’s World Cup, which will be played in Brazil. The team, led by Sonia Bermúdez, secured their place after beating Iceland 6-1 at the Laugardalsvöllur Stadium, in Reykjavik.
The Spanish national team players celebrate qualifying for the 2027 World Cup. RFEF
In a team that is doing well, the coach maintained the initial formation that had worked against England days before. The confrontation started in a more restrained manner, but a precise pass from Alexia Putellas found Vicky López at the edge of the area. The midfielder finished with class and opened the scoring after five minutes, removing any uncertainty.
Vicky López celebrates one of the goals against Iceland in Reykjavik. RFEF
Iceland relied on physical strength and tight marking to try to hold on to the result. Organized in 4-3-3, the hosts prioritized tackling over creating plays. This required patience from the Spanish women, who needed to work on the gaps in the defense led by Rúnarsdóttir. Salma Paralluelo failed to convert a good cross from Vicky López and then saw another shot saved without difficulty by the Icelandic goalkeeper.
The pressure grew throughout the first half. Guijarro took a risk from distance, Salma Paralluelo had another opportunity on the left and Mariona Caldentey combined with Alexia Putellas. The one who took advantage was Edna Imade, from Bayern Munich. She received it from Batlle, matched with Alexia and finished with a deflection to expand. The goal had a touch of luck, but it reflected the team’s collective quality.
Edna Imade celebrates one of the goals against Iceland in Reykjavik. RFEF
The first half ended without any additions and, even before the break, Spain expanded. Salma Paralluelo pushed Batlle’s low cross home from the right. Meanwhile, news from Liverpool indicated an English victory over Ukraine, but the Spanish controlled their own destiny with the favorable score.
During the break, Sonia Bermúdez promoted changes to preserve the athletes’ physique, given an extended season. Claudia Pina and Aitana Bonmatí took the place of Mariona Caldentey and Salma Paralluelo. The substitutions maintained the rhythm and tactical plan. In the second half, Vicky López scored again, this time with a right-footed shot from outside the area, in the fifth minute.
Spain’s starting line-up against Iceland in Reykjavik. RFEF
The coach also replaced Batlle and Guijarro with Eva Navarro and Serrajordi. Shortly after the entrance, a defensive failure allowed the Icelandic counterattack. Boama took advantage and reduced the score, avoiding Spain’s clean sheet.
The setback served as a warning for the world champions. Claudia Pina received it from Eva Navarro, dominated with the left and released a powerful right shot that went past the goalkeeper. Aitana Bonmatí took advantage of a rebound at the edge of the area and finished strongly to make it 6-1.
There was still time for Méndez to replace Paredes, who was applauded. The match ended under the clear sky typical of polar days in Iceland, celebrating the Spanish conquest. The classification is not just about the place, but about the dominant way in which the team obtained it, reinforcing its position as favorite.
