Lionesses Begin World Cup Qualification Journey in Play-Offs
The England women's national football team, known as the Lionesses, have been drawn to face Greece in the initial round of the 2027 Women's World Cup play-offs. To qualify for the prestigious tournament in Brazil, England must successfully advance through two stages of two-legged ties.
If England emerges victorious against Greece, their next opponent will be the winner of the match between Slovakia and Ukraine. The second-round fixture for England would involve playing the away leg first. Specific dates for these matches are yet to be finalized, but they are scheduled to take place in October, November, and December.
Qualification Path Following Group Stage
Despite achieving five wins out of six in their qualifying group, England did not secure automatic qualification. Spain ultimately topped the group, claiming the sole automatic spot available. The Lionesses' 4-0 defeat to Spain earlier this month contributed to their second-place finish, necessitating their participation in the play-offs.
Other Home Nations Also Competing in Play-Offs
Alongside England, other home nations, including Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland, have also learned their play-off opponents as they vie for a place in the World Cup. In the first round:
- Wales will compete against Albania.
- Scotland is set to play the Czech Republic.
- Northern Ireland will face Portugal.
- The Republic of Ireland has been drawn against Kazakhstan.
Full Play-Off Draw Overview
The comprehensive draw for the play-offs is as follows:
Round 1, Path 1
- Lithuania v Sweden
- Romania v Norway
- Greece v England
- Croatia v Iceland
- Kazakhstan v Republic of Ireland
- Kosovo v Austria
- Hungary v Netherlands
- Belarus v Italy
Round 1, Path 2
- Albania v Wales
- Turkey v Slovenia
- Slovakia v Ukraine
- Israel v Switzerland
- Belgium v Poland
- Czech Republic v Scotland
- Northern Ireland v Portugal
- Finland v Serbia
Round 2
- Slovakia or Ukraine v Greece or England
- Finland or Serbia v Belarus or Italy
- Northern Ireland or Portugal v Croatia or Iceland
- Albania or Wales v Romania or Norway
- Israel or Switzerland v Kosovo or Austria
- Czech Republic or Scotland v Lithuania or Sweden
- Belgium or Poland v Kazakhstan or the Republic of Ireland
- Turkey or Slovenia v Hungary or Netherlands