The road to the 2027 Women's World Cup is already paved, and it's looking like a thrilling journey for European teams! The qualifying draw has been made, and the matchups are set, promising intense competition and unforgettable moments. Let's dive into the details!
England finds themselves in a high-stakes group, paired with none other than Spain in their qualifying group. Remember the 2023 World Cup final? Spain triumphed over the Lionesses then. But, England got their revenge in July, defeating the world champions to secure the Euro 2025 title. Talk about a rivalry! Also in Group A3 with England are Iceland and Ukraine.
Scotland is set to battle Belgium, Israel, and Luxembourg in Group B4. Meanwhile, Wales will face the Czech Republic, Albania, and Montenegro in Group B1. Northern Ireland has been drawn into Group B2, where they'll compete against Switzerland, Turkey, and Malta. Finally, the Republic of Ireland is in Group A2, alongside the Netherlands, France, and Poland.
But here's where it gets interesting: the qualifying format! It mirrors the Nations League, divided into three tiers. Only the four group winners in League A are guaranteed a spot in the finals. The remaining teams will have to fight through play-offs for the remaining eight places.
The qualifiers will be played over six matchdays in 2026, spanning from March 3rd to June 9th, with home and away matches. UEFA has been allocated 11 spots for the 32-team 2027 World Cup, with an additional European team potentially qualifying through FIFA's intercontinental play-offs.
The advantage of being in League A? It guarantees at least a play-off opportunity for the World Cup. The four group winners in League A will automatically qualify for the finals in Brazil. If England or the Republic of Ireland finish second or third, they'll face a League C side in their first-round play-off. Should they advance, they'll then play a team that finished fourth in their League A pool or a League B team for a spot in the World Cup.
The bottom four teams in League A face a first-round play-off against a team that finished second or third in League B. The winners will then play the victors from the tie between the second and third-placed League A teams and the League C sides.
For Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to earn a play-off spot, they must avoid finishing at the bottom of their respective groups. Not only would they be relegated to League C, but they'd also miss out on the play-offs. On the flip side, winning their groups would not only secure promotion to League A but also pit them against a team that finished second or third in League B in their first-round play-off. Similarly, if Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland finish second or third, they'll face a team that finished fourth in League A or a League B group winner. The second round of the play-offs is seeded, and if they progress, they'll likely face League A opposition.
In short, for Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland to reach the World Cup, they'll likely need to overcome two strong nations.
What do you think? Will England and Spain's rivalry continue to dominate? Which teams do you think have the best chance to make it to the World Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
