“In that match against Austria, we realised that we could stand up to teams that had gone far at that time,” states Irene Paredes in a chat with Alexia Putellas. Both were part of the 4-0 victory over Austria in Palma de Mallorca on 28 November 2017. Notably, the Austrians had eliminated Spain in the previous Euros, and La Roja got their revenge. Patri Guijarro and Aitana Bonmatí were also in that match. Nine years later, Sonia Bermúdez's side has the chance to play in their fourth World Cup. Currently, the Spanish National Team is in 2nd position in Group 3 with 9 points after beating Iceland (3-0), Ukraine (1-3) and Ukraine (5-0), and, after losing to England (1-0) with a goal from Lauren Hemp three minutes into the game, which left the Spanish side without the lead. 

Therefore, Spain needs to win by two goals or more against England to recover the lost head-to-head goal difference and claim that first position in the standings. In case of a narrow victory, both teams would contend for a spot at the Brazil 2027 World Cup on the final matchday of the group stage. La Roja would do so by visiting Iceland, while the English side would host Ukraine, and qualification would depend on the overall goal difference. If La Roja draws or loses, they would play for a World Cup spot in the play-offs. Sonia Bermúdez's squad list for this last international break features the new addition of Andrea Medina and a strong representation of footballers currently playing in LigaF. The team led by Sarina Wiegman is ranked 1st with 12 points after achieving a perfect record of victories against Ukraine (1-6), Iceland (2-0), Spain (1-0), and Iceland (0-1). 

June 1, 2026

The two national teams have historically faced each other on twenty occasions throughout their history, with a record of five wins for Spain, seven draws, and eight victories for England. Notably, the two countries have met in the finals of the most recent major international tournaments. Sarina Wiegman's side won 2-1 in the Euro 2022 final, while La Roja got their revenge by winning the 2023 World Cup final, beating the English 1-0. Meanwhile, the Spanish National Team won the 2025 Nations League by eliminating the English side in the group stage, who got their revenge in the penalty shootout of the previous Euros, winning 1(3)-1(1). Now, a direct ticket to the next World Cup is at stake. Sonia Bermúdez's team will conclude the international break on Tuesday, June 9th, at 9:00 PM, visiting Iceland at Laugardalsvöllur.

Match schedule and how to watch

The match between the Spanish National Team and England, the fifth match corresponding to the qualification phase for the Brazil 2027 World Cup, will be played this Friday, June 5th, at 9:00 PM at the Son Moix stadium (Mallorca). The clash will be broadcast live on La 1 and RTVE Play.

Spain's squad list

Goalkeepers: Cata Coll (FC Barcelona), Misa Rodríguez, and Adriana Nanclares (Athletic Club).

Defenders: Ona Batlle, Olga Carmona (PSG), Irene Paredes (FC Barcelona), Mapi León, María Méndez (Real Madrid CF), Jana Fernández (London City), Andrea Medina, and Laia Codina.

Midfielders: Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmatí (FC Barcelona), Patri Guijarro (FC Barcelona), Fiamma Benítez (Atlético de Madrid), Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal), Vicky López (FC Barcelona), and Clara Serrajordi (FC Barcelona).

Forwards: Salma Paralluelo (FC Barcelona), Eva Navarro (Real Madrid CF), Lucía Corrales (London City), Esther González (Gotham FC), Edna Imade (Bayern de Múnich), Athenea del Castillo (Real Madrid CF), and Claudia Pina (FC Barcelona).