Nati nears World Cup spot after Israel win – Austria next hurdle

Thanks to the clear aggregate score of 9‑3 against Israel in the first playoff round, the Swiss women’s national team, the Nati, is one step closer to the 2027 World Cup. The success was achieved by coach Rafel Navarro and his staff and sets the path for the next challenge. Between November 26 and December 5, the Nati will face Austria in the second playoff round.

Second Playoff Round against Austria

The Austrian FA selection advanced in its first playoff round with an aggregate score of 6‑1 against Kosovo and then won 2‑1 away against the number 83 in the FIFA ranking. On Tuesday evening in Vienna, a 4‑0 victory followed. Austria is ranked 25, Switzerland 26 – geographic and ranking neighbours, which makes the match on paper a close affair.

The tougher part, securing the World Cup ticket, still lies ahead for Switzerland. If the Nati also beats Austria, the ticket could already be secured, but there is the possibility of an intercontinental playoff. This would be required if Switzerland were the lowest‑placed team among the eight European playoff winners – a scenario that appears realistic because Switzerland qualified only in League B.

Austria's women beat Kosovo 4-0 in Vienna

Salvatore di Nolfi reports that the draw has favoured the Swiss women, as they could have faced stronger opponents such as England or Sweden. The focus remains firmly on the upcoming encounter, which will decide the further World Cup adventure.

Unanimous view: Switzerland hold Israel without conceding a goal