The race for the Women's World Cup 2027 is entering its decisive phase, and this Friday brings a clutch of fixtures that could settle several qualifying groups before the final round of matches on Tuesday. Here is a full guide to who needs what — and how complicated things could get.

England on the cusp

Sarina Wiegman's England side travel to Mallorca knowing that a draw against Spain — kick-off 20:00 BST on Friday — will be enough to confirm direct qualification for next summer's tournament in Brazil. After four wins from four in Group A3, England sit three points clear at the top, having beaten both Iceland and Spain in April.

Avoid defeat and they become the first British or Irish side to qualify outright, sending the world champions into the play-offs. Lose by a smaller margin than the 1-0 result from the reverse fixture at Wembley, however, and it becomes a tight affair decided by goal difference, away goals and potentially even disciplinary records, depending on how the final-round results fall. A heavier defeat would leave England needing to better Spain's result on Tuesday to stay top.

Republic of Ireland chasing history

Currently third in their group, the Republic of Ireland's route to qualification is more demanding — but it is entirely in their hands. They host the Netherlands in Cork on Friday (19:30 BST) before travelling to face France on Tuesday (20:00 BST). Win both, and they seal only their second-ever World Cup appearance, regardless of what happens elsewhere in the group.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland target play-off berths

As League B nations, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland cannot qualify directly. The best they can achieve is a play-off berth, and all three have already confirmed at minimum a top-three finish in their respective groups — securing that play-off spot with two games to spare.

  • Scotland lead their group and face Israel on Friday (17:00 BST) and again on Tuesday (18:00 BST), with a chance to finish as group winners.
  • Wales are second in their group on goal difference behind Czech Republic. They travel to Montenegro on Friday (17:00 BST) before hosting the Czechs on Tuesday (18:00 BST).
  • Northern Ireland require just a single point from their remaining fixtures — away to Turkey on Friday (18:00 BST) and at home to Switzerland on Tuesday (18:00 BST) — to confirm their play-off place.

Play-off qualification keeps hope alive, but two further knockout rounds in the autumn still stand between those nations and a flight to Brazil.

Denmark and Germany closing in

Elsewhere in League A, Denmark top Group A1 by a single point from Sweden, with Italy a further two back. A Denmark win over Sweden on Friday (19:15 BST), combined with Italy failing to take maximum points from their match against Serbia (19:00 BST), would put the Danes through to a second successive World Cup. Sweden victory, however, would reshape the group completely heading into the final round.

In Group A4, Germany — two-time World Cup winners — hold a one-point advantage over Norway and meet them in Cologne on Friday (19:35 BST) in what is effectively a winner-takes-all showdown. Victory would extend their remarkable record of appearing at every Women's World Cup. Tuesday sees Germany visit Slovenia while Norway host Austria, both kicking off at 18:00 BST.

Who has already qualified?

Eight nations have already booked their places in Brazil. Hosts Brazil were confirmed first when the tournament was awarded to them in 2024. They have since been joined by Australia, China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea and the Philippines — all of whom sealed qualification through the Women's Asia Cup — with New Zealand also through.

The 32-team tournament runs from 24 June to 25 July 2027, using eight stadiums — the same venues that hosted the men's World Cup in Brazil in 2014. Friday evening could see that confirmed list grow significantly longer.

Frequently asked

What does England need to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup?
England need at least a draw against Spain on Friday (20:00 BST) to seal direct qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. A win or draw would put them through as group winners.
When and where is the 2027 Women's World Cup?
The 2027 Women's World Cup is hosted by Brazil and runs from 24 June to 25 July 2027. It will feature 32 teams playing across eight stadiums — the same venues used for the men's 2014 World Cup.
Can Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland qualify directly for the Women's World Cup 2027?
No. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are in League B of European qualifying, which means they can only earn a play-off place rather than direct qualification. All three have already secured at least a play-off berth.