England have discovered their route to the 2027 Women’s World Cup after missing out on automatic qualification. Following a heavy 4-0 defeat to reigning world champions Spain Women’s National Football Team in June, the Lionesses finished second in their qualifying group and must now secure their place in Brazil through the play-offs.
Despite beating Spain 1-0 at Wembley earlier in the campaign, England needed only a draw in Mallorca to top the group. Instead, the defeat handed Spain first place and direct qualification, leaving Sarina Wiegman’s side facing an alternative route.
The play-off draw has paired England with Greece Women’s National Football Team in the first round this October. The tie will be played over two legs, with England travelling away first before hosting the return match.
Greece earned their place after winning all four matches in their League C qualifying group against the Faroe Islands and Georgia, scoring 11 goals and conceding only four. However, ranked 59th in the world and with limited major tournament experience, they are expected to be significant underdogs against the European champions. The tie will also mark the first-ever meeting between the two nations in women’s international football.
Should England progress, they will face either Ukraine Women’s National Football Team or Slovakia Women’s National Football Team in the second and final play-off round. Ukraine may pose the tougher challenge, having already faced England during qualifying, with the Lionesses recording convincing 6-1 and 3-0 victories.
The decisive second-round play-offs will take place over two legs during the final international window of 2026 in November, with the winners securing a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
England are among several high-profile European nations still seeking qualification. Other notable teams in the play-offs include Netherlands Women’s National Football Team, Norway Women’s National Football Team and Sweden Women’s National Football Team, while teams such as Scotland Women’s National Football Team, Portugal Women’s National Football Team, Switzerland Women’s National Football Team and Wales Women’s National Football Team will also be hoping to secure a spot at the tournament.
So far, hosts Brazil, along with nations including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Argentina and Colombia, have already booked their places at the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
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