England face two-round World Cup play-off path after Spain top group
8 reported
England’s women’s football team will enter a two-round play-off process to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil after finishing second in their qualifying group. The Lionesses beat Ukraine 3-0 on Tuesday, but Spain’s 6-1 victory over Iceland in Reykjavik secured Spain’s automatic qualification as group winners. Spain topped League A3 Group 3 on a better head-to-head record after both teams won their home matches against each other. England’s 1-0 win at Wembley was not enough to overcome Spain’s 4-0 victory in Majorca. Manager Sarina Wiegman expressed disappointment that winning five of six group matches with 15 points was insufficient for automatic qualification. England will be seeded in the first play-off round and face a League C group winner or one of the two best-ranked League C runners-up, with the second leg at home. The second round will also be a two-legged tie, with winners securing World Cup places. Draws for both rounds are scheduled for June 18, with matches in October, November, and December.
What’s reported
England beat Ukraine 3-0 on Tuesday but still finished second in their group.
Spain beat Iceland 6-1 in Reykjavik to win the group and qualify automatically.
Spain topped the group on a better head-to-head record against England.
England won five of six group matches, scoring 13 goals and conceding five.
England must win two rounds of home-and-away play-off ties to qualify.
Possible first-round opponents include Lithuania, Kosovo, Hungary, Greece, Romania, Belarus, Croatia, and Kazakhstan.
Play-off draws are scheduled for Thursday, June 18.
Matches will be played in October, November, and December.
Key figures
Sarina Wiegman (England manager)
Georgia Stanway (England midfielder, scored on Tuesday)
Jess Carter (England scorer on Tuesday)
Beth Mead (England scorer on Tuesday)
Ella Toone (England midfielder)
Lucia Kendall (England midfielder)
Laura Blindkilde Brown (England midfielder)
Lucy Bronze (England defender)
Alessia Russo (England forward)
Lauren Hemp (England forward)
Lauren James (England forward)
Esme Morgan (England defender)
Leah Williamson (England captain, injured)
Lindsay Johnson (former Everton defender, commentator)
Sources: BBC News
