Friday evening brings one of the most consequential nights in the women's qualifying calendar, with several nations on the cusp of booking their place at the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil — and England closer than anyone to getting the job done early.
England one result away from Brazil
Sarina Wiegman's side travel to Mallorca knowing that a draw against Spain — the world champions — on Friday evening (kick-off 20:00 BST) would be enough to seal automatic qualification. England are three points clear at the top of Group A3 after four wins from four, a run that included victory over the Spanish in April. As European champions, they have every reason to feel confident; avoid defeat and they become the first home nation to confirm their place at next summer's finals.
The tournament will be hosted across eight stadiums in Brazil — all venues from the 2014 men's World Cup — and runs from 24 June to 25 July, featuring 32 teams in total.
Should England lose, the arithmetic grows complicated. A defeat by a larger margin than the 1-0 reverse-fixture win at Wembley would require England to also better Spain's result in the final round of group games on Tuesday. A narrow single-goal defeat could come down to goal difference, away goals, or even disciplinary records. Nobody wants that.
Republic of Ireland chasing history
Also in League A, the Republic of Ireland have an extraordinary opportunity. Placed third in their group, they face the two nations above them in the table in consecutive fixtures — hosting the Netherlands in Cork on Friday (19:30 BST) before travelling to face France on Tuesday (20:00 BST). Win both and they seal direct qualification regardless of what happens elsewhere, which would represent only the second time in their history they have reached the World Cup. It is a tall order, but it is firmly in their hands.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland aim for play-offs
The other home nations are in League B, which means direct qualification is off the table — the best available outcome is a play-off spot. Encouragingly, both Scotland and Wales have already secured a top-three finish in their respective groups with two matches still to play.
Scotland lead their group and face Israel in back-to-back fixtures on Friday (17:00 BST) and Tuesday (18:00 BST), with a chance to push for top spot. Wales are second in their group on goal difference, behind Czech Republic, and travel to Montenegro on Friday (17:00 BST) before hosting the Czechs on Tuesday (18:00 BST).
Northern Ireland need just a single point from their remaining games — away in Turkey on Friday (18:00 BST) and at home to Switzerland on Tuesday (18:00 BST) — to lock in their play-off place. Two rounds of play-offs in the autumn will then stand between all three and a trip to Brazil.
Denmark and Germany eyeing direct routes
Elsewhere in League A, Denmark and Germany are both well placed to secure direct qualification. Denmark top Group A1 by a single point from Sweden, with Italy a further two behind. Beat Sweden on Friday (19:15 BST) while Italy fail to win against Serbia, and Denmark are through to a second consecutive World Cup.
Germany, two-time world champions, hold a one-point lead over Norway at the top of Group A4 heading into what is effectively a winner-takes-all clash in Cologne on Friday (19:35 BST). Germany have featured in every World Cup in the competition's history — that record is there to be maintained.
Eight teams already confirmed
Brazil qualified automatically as hosts when they were awarded the tournament in 2024. They have since been joined by Australia, China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea and the Philippines, all of whom came through the Women's Asia Cup, plus New Zealand. That means the field is starting to take shape — but there is still plenty to be decided across a crucial few days of European qualifying.
- England vs Spain — Friday, 20:00 BST (Mallorca)
- Republic of Ireland vs Netherlands — Friday, 19:30 BST (Cork)
- Scotland vs Israel — Friday, 17:00 BST
- Wales vs Montenegro — Friday, 17:00 BST
- Northern Ireland vs Turkey — Friday, 18:00 BST
- Denmark vs Sweden — Friday, 19:15 BST
- Germany vs Norway — Friday, 19:35 BST (Cologne)
Frequently asked
- How can England qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup?
- England need to avoid defeat against Spain on Friday evening (20:00 BST) to seal automatic qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. A win or draw puts them through as group winners.
- When and where is the 2027 Women's World Cup?
- The 2027 Women's World Cup is held in Brazil, running from 24 June to 25 July 2027. It will feature 32 teams and is played across eight stadiums, all of which hosted matches at the 2014 men's World Cup.
- Can Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup?
- Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are in League B of European qualifying, so they cannot qualify directly. However, all three can reach the play-offs — Scotland and Wales have already secured a top-three finish, while Northern Ireland need one point from their final two games.