Netherlands eye World Cup playoffs: Israel in October, plus more hurdles

In the early morning light of October 9, the Swiss women's national team gathers in Budapest, ready to take the first hurdle on the road to the World Cup – the away match against Israel, set by Rafel Navarro as coach. The players have been training since October 5 on the GC‑Campus in Niederhasli, while the media are already speculating about the upcoming playoffs.

Away match in Hungary, return match in the Tourbillon

The first leg takes place on October 9 in Hungary, specifically in the small town of Mezökövesd, about a 90‑minute drive from Budapest.

Four days later, on October 13, the national team returns to Sitten, where the return match will be played in the Tourbillon.

On Tuesday, June 5, Coach Rafel Navarro presented the squad for the autumn gathering in Muri; the live stream will be available in the Sports app.

The report was provided by Isa Simsek for Freshfocus.

The selected women meet on October 5 in Niederhasli, establishing their training base there on the GC‑Campus.

On Thursday, a day before the away match, they travel to Budapest to inspect the pitch; after the afternoon game, the team returns to Switzerland.

If Switzerland gets past the first playoff round, a year‑end duel against Austria or Kosovo follows for a spot in the World Cup group stage.

The 2027 Women's World Cup takes place from June 24 to July 25 in Brazil.