Swiss women secure playoff spot without conceding a goal

The Swiss women's team beat Israel in Sitten 2-0 and therefore progressed to the next round of the World Cup qualification playoffs with an aggregate score of 9-3. Iman Beney scored after half an hour, Julia Stierli added in stoppage time. With that, the team of national team coach Rafael Navarro fulfilled both objectives – qualification and no goals conceded.

Match Progress and Tactics

Navarro introduced three changes in his starting XI: Lia Kamber, Nadine Riesen and Julia Stierli were brought into the starting lineup. Switzerland dominated from the start, appeared defensively more stable than in the first leg and held possession at 77 percent. Despite high ball control, finishing precision was initially lacking; only after Beney's header from Géraldine Reuteler did the first goal come.

In the second half, Switzerland continued to press, giving Israel few chances. The visitors did not register their first shot until the 53rd minute, while the hosts recorded 32 shots to 2 goals conceded. The match remained level until stoppage time, when Stierli sealed the final result with a direct free kick.

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

Outlook for the Next Round

After the clear victory, Rafael Navarro's team will face the Austrian side in the playoff at the end of November to early December. Austria is ranked 25th in the world rankings, one place above Switzerland, and previously won at home against Kosovo 4-0 (aggregate 6-1).

The two matches will take place between 26 November and 5 December. The 2027 World Cup in Brazil runs from 24 June to 25 July. The Swiss women head into the second leg with confidence, having fulfilled their task without conceding a goal.

Unanimous view: Switzerland hold Israel without conceding a goal