Spain’s women’s national team prepares for a pivotal UEFA Women’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine on Tuesday evening, seeking to rebound from a surprising stumble in their opening Group A3 match. La Roja enters the fixture with urgency after a 1-0 loss to Sweden in Stockholm last week, a result that exposed vulnerabilities in their buildup play and left them needing a strong response to stay on track for automatic qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The match kicks off at 8:00 p.m. Local time at Estadio Nuevo Arcángel in Córdoba, Spain (6:00 p.m. UTC), with the venue expected to be near capacity as local supporters rally behind the national side. Córdoba, a historic city in Andalusia, has not hosted a senior women’s international match since 2019, making this a significant event for regional football development. Ticket sales indicate strong demand, particularly from youth clubs and women’s teams across the region, reflecting growing interest in the sport following Spain’s 2023 World Cup triumph.
Head coach Montse Tomé has confirmed her starting XI, opting for continuity despite the recent defeat. Goalkeeper Cata Coll retains her place between the posts, backed by a defensive line featuring Oihane Hernández, Laia Aleixandri, Irene Paredes, and Ona Batlle. In midfield, the experienced trio of Aitana Bonmatí, Patricia Guijarro, and Alexia Putellas will look to control tempo, while the attacking line consists of Salma Paralluelo, Jenni Hermoso, and Mariona Caldentey. Notably absent from the squad is Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí’s Barcelona teammate Caroline Graham Hansen, who is not eligible to play for Spain due to her Norwegian nationality — a point of clarification after social media speculation earlier in the week.
Ukraine, meanwhile, arrives in Córdoba with renewed determination following a narrow 2-1 loss to Denmark in their opener. The Ukrainians, led by former Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Dmytro Chygrynskiy in a temporary advisory role due to ongoing conflict-related disruptions to their coaching setup, have emphasized defensive organization and quick transitions. Key players to watch include captain Anastasia Shlyakhova, who anchors the backline, and forward Kateryna Lukyn, whose pace caused problems for Denmark’s high line last week.
Verified team news indicates Ukraine will be without suspended midfielder Anna Petryk, who picked up her second yellow card against Denmark. Spain, conversely, reports no new injuries or suspensions ahead of the match, with all 23 players available for selection. This full squad availability gives Tomé flexibility to adjust tactics mid-game if needed, a luxury not afforded to many national teams navigating congested schedules.
The stakes extend beyond mere points. A win for Spain would restore momentum and silence growing concerns about their ability to break down low blocks — a tactical challenge Ukraine is expected to present by sitting deep and hitting on the counter. For Ukraine, a positive result would be monumental, potentially keeping them in contention for a playoff spot and providing a much-needed morale boost amid challenging circumstances back home.
Historically, Spain holds a clear advantage in this fixture, having won all three previous meetings between the sides, including a 5-0 victory in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers. Though, recent form suggests caution: Spain has scored just two goals in their last three competitive matches, while Ukraine has kept two clean sheets in their last four outings, indicating improved defensive resilience.
Tactically, Tomé is likely to instruct her side to dominate possession — Spain averaged 68% in their loss to Sweden — but with greater emphasis on vertical progression. The fullbacks, particularly Batlle and Hernández, will be pushed high to stretch Ukraine’s narrow defensive shape, creating space for Bonmatí and Guijarro to operate in the half-spaces. Putellas, operating slightly deeper than in recent matches, will aim to dictate play from midfield, while Paralluelo’s direct running behind the defense could exploit any gaps left by Ukraine’s advancing fullbacks.
For Ukraine, the game plan will center on compactness, and discipline. Expect them to form a 4-5-1 shape without the ball, shifting to a 4-3-3 in transition, with Lukyn looking to latch onto long balls over the top. Set pieces could prove crucial, as Spain has conceded from dead-ball situations in two of their last five matches, a vulnerability Ukraine’s physically imposing center-backs may seek to exploit.
Officials for the match have been appointed by UEFA: Romanian referee Iuliana Demetrescu will take charge, assisted by fellow countrymen Petruța Iugulescu and Marie-Therese Nicholson. The fourth official is Bulgarian Georgi Kabakov, with VAR support provided by Italy’s Paolo Valeri. This experienced crew has overseen multiple high-stakes women’s internationals this season, including Champions League knockout matches.
Beyond the immediate result, this qualifier carries broader implications for Spain’s preparation ahead of the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro, which they will host. Strong performances now will help build cohesion and identify optimal combinations ahead of next summer’s tournament on home soil. For Ukraine, maintaining competitiveness in qualifiers remains a testament to the resilience of their program despite ongoing challenges.
Fans wishing to follow the match live can tune in via UEFA’s official streaming platform, UEFA.tv, which offers free coverage in select territories, or through national broadcasters such as RTVE in Spain and Suspilne in Ukraine. Live updates, including minute-by-minute commentary and post-match analysis, will be available through Archysport’s dedicated match center.
As the teams take to the pitch in Córdoba under the Andalusian night sky, the narrative is clear: Spain seeks redemption, Ukraine aims to defy expectations, and both sides understand that in World Cup qualifying, every point carries weight far beyond the immediate standings. The stage is set for a compelling encounter that could shape the trajectory of Group A3 for months to come.
Looking ahead, Spain’s next qualifier is scheduled for June 3 against Ireland at Estadio Municipal de Butarque in Leganés, while Ukraine faces Denmark again in a reverse fixture on June 2 in Viborg. Both matches will be critical in determining which nations advance directly to the World Cup and which must navigate the playoff route.
What do you think will be the key to unlocking Ukraine’s defense for Spain? Share your predictions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow fans who desire to stay informed about the road to the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
