The UEFA qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, completed in June, determined the first European teams to secure their places in the final tournament in Brazil. Alongside Germany, who had already guaranteed qualification before the final round of matches, Denmark, France and Spain also booked their tickets directly. The remaining teams have now begun preparations for the autumn play-offs, where seven additional World Cup spots will be at stake.
The Danish national team finished top of Group A1, ahead of Italy, Sweden and Serbia. A victory over Serbia in the final round proved crucial in sealing qualification for the Scandinavians. Italy finished second, while Sweden, considered one of the group favourites, advanced to the play-offs.
In Group A2, France emerged as the strongest side. Les Bleues completed the qualifiers ahead of the Netherlands, Ireland and Poland. For the Polish team, it was an exceptionally difficult campaign. The side failed to collect a single point, finished bottom of the table and was relegated to League B.
Spain delivered the most convincing qualifying campaign. The reigning world champions won Group A3 ahead of England, Iceland and Ukraine, confirming their status as one of the strongest teams in women’s football. England, despite solid results, had to settle for second place and continue their World Cup journey through the play-offs.
In Group A4, Germany secured first place. Norway finished second and also kept their World Cup hopes alive by qualifying for the play-offs.
Following the conclusion of the qualifiers, UEFA conducted the play-off draw. Poland was paired with Belgium, one of the toughest opponents available at this stage. Other notable matchups include Greece vs England, Hungary vs Netherlands, Lithuania vs Sweden and Romania vs Norway.
An Exciting Autumn Ahead
The first round of the play-offs will take place between 7–13 October, while the second round is scheduled for 26 November–5 December 2026. In total, seven teams will qualify directly for the World Cup in Brazil, while one additional nation will earn a place in the FIFA intercontinental play-off tournament.
At present, Germany, Denmark, France and Spain have already secured their places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The remaining European spots will be contested by teams including England, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Italy and Poland. Looking at the play-off draw, football fans can expect several months of high drama and top level international competition.
First Round Play-off Fixtures
Path 1
- Lithuania vs Sweden
- Romania vs Norway
- Greece vs England
- Croatia vs Iceland
- Kazakhstan vs Republic of Ireland
- Kosovo vs Austria
- Hungary vs Netherlands
- Belarus vs Italy
Path 2
- Albania vs Wales
- Türkiye vs Slovenia
- Slovakia vs Ukraine
- Israel vs Switzerland
- Belgium vs Poland
- Czechia vs Scotland
- Northern Ireland vs Portugal
- Finland vs Serbia
