Spain thrashes Iceland 6-1 to book direct ticket to 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil

Spain's women's national team secured their direct qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil with a commanding 6-1 victory over Iceland in Reykjavik on Tuesday. The result, combined with their 4-0 win over England days earlier, ensured Sonia Bermúdez's side topped their qualifying group and will defend the title they won in Australia in 2023.

A lightning start in Reykjavik

Spain needed only five minutes to take control at the Laugardalsvöllur stadium. Alexia Putellas, receiving the ball with her back to goal, threaded a pass through the Icelandic defence for Vicky López. The Barcelona forward finished cleanly past goalkeeper Cecilía Rúnarsdóttir to score her eighth international goal and put Spain on the path to Brazil.

Tardó cuatro minutos la España de Sonia Bermúdez en solicitar su pase para el Mundial de Brasil 2027.

The early goal set the tone for a first half that several outlets described as a Spanish monologue. Iceland struggled to contain the constant pressure from the flanks, with Ona Batlle and Lucía Corrales pushing high and delivering dangerous crosses.

First-half dominance seals the tie

Spain doubled their lead in the 37th minute. Ona Batlle drove into the area, created space with a clever touch, and squared the ball for Edna Imade. The Bayern Munich forward had a simple finish to make it 2-0. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Batlle was the provider again, this time sending a low cross for Salma Paralluelo to tap in from close range and send Spain into the break with a 3-0 advantage.

Tres a cero. España tenía pie y medio en el Mundial.

The second half continued in the same pattern. Vicky López scored her second of the night in the 50th minute, unleashing a powerful right-footed strike from outside the box that flew past Rúnarsdóttir. Iceland pulled one back in the 58th minute through Linda Líf Boama, who finished a rare counter-attack, but Spain restored their five-goal cushion when Clàudia Pina added a fifth. Aitana Bonmatí, who had come on as a substitute, completed the scoring with Spain's sixth.

Key performers and tactical execution

Alexia Putellas was widely praised for her creative influence, with EL MUNDO noting she has left behind a difficult two-year period of injuries between 2022 and 2024. The two-time Ballon d'Or winner orchestrated much of Spain's attacking play from midfield. Vicky López's double took her personal tally higher, while Ona Batlle's two assists from right-back were instrumental in breaking down Iceland's deep defensive block.

Sonia Bermúdez fielded the same starting eleven that had impressed against England, a decision that paid off as Spain maintained their rhythm and avoided the physical battles Iceland sought through set-pieces. The team conceded only their third goal of the entire qualifying campaign.

Road to Brazil

Spain's qualification means they will defend their world title in Brazil next year. The team finished their group with a perfect record in the final two matches, scoring ten goals and conceding one across the victories over England and Iceland. The summer of 2026 will be the first in four years without a major tournament for the Spanish side, giving the squad a rare period of rest before preparations begin for the World Cup.