Switzerland advance to World Cup playoffs keeping a clean sheet

Switzerland defeated Israel 2‑0 in Sitten on Tuesday, securing a place in the next round of the 2027 World Cup qualification playoffs with a cumulative score of 9‑3. The win fulfilled coach Rafel Navarro’s dual objectives of progressing and keeping a clean sheet.

Goals and line‑up changes

Iman Beney opened the scoring after a half‑hour, heading in a Geraldine Reuteler cross. Julia Stierli added a second in stoppage time from a direct free‑kick. Navarro tweaked his starting eleven, bringing in Lia Kamber, Nadine Riesen and Stierli, while Kamber had already netted twice in the first‑leg.

Beney, a Manchester City forward, marked her third goal of the qualification campaign, while Stierli’s free‑kick sealed the victory. The Swiss side dominated possession at 77 percent and recorded 32 shots to Israel’s two, yet struggled to finish decisively in the first half.

What lies ahead

The second playoff round is scheduled for the end of November and the start of December, when Navarro’s team will face Austria. Austria, ranked 25th in the FIFA women’s rankings, previously beat Kosovo 4‑0 and lead the aggregate 6‑1.

Unanimous view: Switzerland hold Israel without conceding a goal

The two matches are set between 26 November and 5 December, with a possible inter‑continental playoff for the Swiss side thereafter. The 2027 World Cup will be staged in Brazil from 24 June to 25 July.

Navarro’s side displayed a markedly stronger defence compared with their recent performances, conceding no goals across the two legs. The Swiss Nati, under his guidance, have now achieved both of their stated goals for the tie.

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With the clean‑sheet achievement, the team’s confidence is high as they prepare for a tougher opponent. The upcoming fixtures will test whether the defensive solidity can be maintained against a higher‑ranked Austrian side.