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Sunday, March 15, 2026

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Northern Ireland beaten in Switzerland  

Switzerland 2 (Xhemaili 22, Folmli 90) Northern Ireland 0

Northern Ireland's FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 qualifying campaign got off to a challenging start with a 2-0 defeat away to Switzerland in League B Group 2.

The match, played at Stade de la Tuilière in Lausanne, saw the top seeds Switzerland claim a deserved victory thanks to goals in each half from Riola Xhemaili and substitute Svenja Fölmli.

Interim manager Kris Lindsay's side put up a resilient defensive display against a Switzerland team that dominated possession throughout, having reached the quarter finals of last summer's UEFA Women's Euros.

The hosts began brightly, with winger Xhemaili firing wide early on. Northern Ireland's backline, marshalled effectively by Ellie Mason, Rebecca Holloway, Rebecca McKenna and Laura Rafferty, withstood intense pressure in the opening stages.

Switzerland broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when captain Lia Wälti's corner was not cleared, allowing Xhemaili to swivel and smash the ball into the top corner from 12 yards.

The visitors continued to defend stoutly, repelling further attacks before the break, though midfielder Brenna McPartlan had a chance when she jinked into the area but dragged her shot wide.

After the interval, goalkeeper Jackie Burns was kept busy, holding onto efforts from Aurélie Csillag and clearing danger off her line. Northern Ireland's defence remained organised, with key blocks from Natalie Johnson and timely interventions from McKenna.

As the game wore on, substitute Danielle Maxwell tested Swiss keeper Livia Peng from distance, but the home side sealed the points in stoppage time. Substitute Fölmli spun away from her marker and drove low into the bottom corner.

Burns made a late save to deny Fölmli again, though Alisha Lehmann's follow up went off target.

Northern Ireland, the second seeds in the group, showed determination despite the result and will look to bounce back in their next fixture. They host third seeds Turkey at Mourneview Park in Lurgan on Saturday 7 March (kick-off 7pm).

Switzerland: Livia Peng, Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic, Nadine Riesen, Viola Calligaris, Julia Stierli (sub Noemi Ivelj 85mins), Géraldine Reuteler, Riola Xhemaili (sub Leila Wandeler 85mins), Lia Wälti, Aurélie Csillag (sub Alisha Lehmann 72mins), Sydney Schertenleib (sub Lia Kamber 90mins), Iman Beney (sub Svenja Fölmli 85mins). Subs not used: Inna Fuchs, Laia Balleste, Leela Egli, Coumba Sow, Elvira Herzog, Meriame Terchoun, Seraina Plubel.

Northern Ireland: Jackie Burns, Rebecca McKenna, Ellie Mason, Laura Rafferty, Rebecca Holloway, Natalie Johnson, Caragh Hamilton (sub Danielle Maxwell 84mins), Brenna McPartlan (sub Nadene Caldwell 63mins), Leyla McFarland (sub Kascie Weir 62mins), Megan Bell (sub Mia Moore 63mins), Lauren Wade (sub Casey Howe 84mins). Subs not used: Keri Halliday, Abbie Smith, Aimee Kerr, Abi Sweetlove, Lauren Perry, Louise McDaniel, Sarah McFadden.