Marko Saloranta is coaching Helmarit towards the 2027 World Cup.
Marko Saloranta will continue as the head coach of the women’s national football team until 2026. On Friday, Palloliitto announced Saloranta’s extension contract, which also includes an option for the 2027 prestigious championships.
The women’s WC final tournament will be played in 2027. Finland has never played in a women’s or men’s World Cup tournament. Before the 2027 World Cup, Finland is aiming for the women’s EC final tournament, which will be played in the summer of 2025 in Switzerland.
Helmarit has already started the EC qualifiers towards Switzerland. A week ago, Finland lost to Norway in the opening match 0–4, but on Tuesday in Helsinki they beat Italy 2–1 in front of more than 5,000 spectators. The games continue in June with the Netherlands match.
“It was not clear to anyone on Tuesday how the team knows how to play, what is the character of the Helmarei, and that every player left everything on the field,” Saloranta said in the Palloliitto’s press release.
“Coaching the A national team is important to me, and that’s why I’m humbled and grateful that they trust me,” commented Saloranta.
Saloranta beach has been piloting Helmarei since summer 2022 Anna Signeulin after the end of the contract. In January 2023, Saloranta signed a two-year contract, which was now extended. Even in the first contract, there was an option for value races.
During Saloranta’s season, Helmarit has raised its level, even though the players have partly changed since Signeuli’s time. Finland won its group in the Nations League and is now playing in the EC qualifiers in the elite of the top 16.
Almost all Helmarien players play abroad and get playing time in their clubs.
“Saloranta has convincingly led the controlled and balanced renewal of the Helmariten team. He has made a big change to the team and has also led the team to excellent results. We want to give Saloranna the peace of mind to continue renewing the team and developing the game,” said Palloliitto’s chairman Ari Lahti in a press release.
The head coach of the men’s national football team Markku Kanervan the position is also in the balance after Finland was excluded from the summer European Championships. Kanerva has a contract until the end of the year.