Alessia and Stina score in World Cup qualifiers
Clinical finishing and rock-solid defending headlined a busy international window for our players, with Alessia Russo and Stina Blackstenius both striking decisive winners in Women’s World Cup qualifying. Elsewhere, teammates across Europe, Africa and the Americas contributed key minutes, assists and clean sheets as the road to 2027 heats up.
Russo delivers on England’s milestone night
England marked their 500th senior women’s match in style, edging Iceland 1-0 away thanks to a razor-sharp turn and low finish from Alessia Russo. The result keeps the Lionesses perfect at the top of Group C with four wins from four.
Leah Williamson started and completed the first half before a planned reshuffle at the break, with Lotte Wubben-Moy entering for the second period. Beth Mead added energy from the 64th minute, while Taylor Hinds and Chloe Kelly were unused options. Post-match, Russo reflected on a night heavy with history, paying tribute to generations of Lionesses who paved the way and hailing a “big camp” and “big results.” Williamson echoed that sentiment, proud to represent those who played before — and those who didn’t get the chance.
Blackstenius keeps Sweden rolling in Group A
Stina Blackstenius struck the winner just after the restart, cushioning and burying a composed finish as Sweden beat Serbia 1-0 at home. She and Smilla Holmberg both played the full 90 and helped preserve a clean sheet. The victory nudged Sweden up to second in Group A, a point shy of Denmark and two clear of Italy.
Group updates across Europe
- Spain (Group C): Mariona Caldentey featured in the first half of a commanding 5-0 home victory over Ukraine that kept Spain in second place. Laia Codina came on in the 68th minute to close it out.
- Republic of Ireland (Group B): Katie McCabe went the distance in a gritty 1-0 win over Poland, sealing back-to-back victories that move Ireland to six points — one behind France and two behind the Netherlands. McCabe praised the team’s resilience and thanked supporters for their backing.
- Netherlands (Group B): The Dutch fought back to draw 1-1 away to France, staying top of the group with Daphne van Domselaar and Victoria Pelova both completing the full match.
- Norway (Group D): Frida Maanum logged 63 minutes in a 3-2 away win over Slovenia. Norway hold second place on nine points, trailing Germany by one.
- Czechia: Barbora Votikova was an unused substitute during a 4-1 win away to Montenegro.
FIFA Series highlights and friendlies
- Australia: Caitlin Foord played 77 minutes in a 2-0 victory over Kenya, threading the assist for Claire Wheeler’s clincher. Combined with a win over Malawi earlier in Nairobi, Australia topped their FIFA Series 2026 section. After the match, Foord took time to sign a supporter’s shirt — a neat moment on a successful trip.
- Canada in Brazil: Olivia Smith started and played 83 minutes in a narrow 1-0 defeat to host nation Brazil. The hosts won the mini-series, with Canada finishing second.
- USA: Emily Fox completed 90 minutes in a confident 3-0 friendly win over Japan, calling it a strong way to close the camp.
Rising talents on the youth stage
- England Under-23s: Laila Harbert (59’) and Jessie Gale (71’) came off the bench as England beat Sweden 3-0 to lift the 2026 U23 European Competition. Vivienne Lia was an unused substitute.
- England Under-19s: Cecily Wellesley-Smith played the full match, with Niamh Peacock among the substitutes, as England fell 2-0 away to Switzerland and missed out on the UEFA Women’s U19 European Championship Finals.
Takeaway
With World Cup qualifying momentum building, Russo and Blackstenius provided the cutting edge while a host of teammates supplied vital minutes and moments across the board. From milestone nights to youth triumphs, the international window showcased depth, composure and a knack for delivering when it counts.
