England’s women’s national football team has been drawn alongside Spain in their qualifying group for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The fixture sets up a high-profile rematch between two European powerhouses, following their recent encounters on the international stage.

England vs Spain: A Rematch of European and World Finals

Spain defeated England in the 2023 World Cup final, a historic first for the Spanish team. However, England exacted revenge by defeating Spain in the Euro 2025 final in July, successfully defending their European Championship title. The upcoming qualifiers promise another thrilling clash between the reigning European champions and the World Cup finalists.

England has been placed in Group A3, alongside Iceland and Ukraine, under the management of Sarina Wiegman, who took charge of the Lionesses in September 2021.

Other notable qualifying groups include:

• Group B4: Scotland, Belgium, Israel, Luxembourg
• Group B1: Wales, Czech Republic, Albania, Montenegro
• Group B2: Northern Ireland, Switzerland, Turkey, Malta
• Group A2: Republic of Ireland, Netherlands, France, Poland

World Cup Qualifying Format

The 2027 Women’s World Cup qualification process mirrors the UEFA Nations League structure and is divided into three tiers: League A, B, and C. Only the four group winners in League A automatically qualify for the World Cup finals, while remaining teams must progress through a play-off system to compete for the remaining eight spots.

The qualifying matches will be held over six matchdays on a home-and-away basis during 2026, beginning on March 3 and concluding on June 9. UEFA has been allocated 11 guaranteed spots for the 32-team tournament, with the possibility of an additional European team qualifying through FIFA’s intercontinental play-offs.

Play-Off Path for League A Teams

Teams in League A benefit from a guaranteed World Cup play-off opportunity if they do not win their group:

• Second and third-placed teams face a League C side in the first-round play-off.
• Winners then face either a fourth-placed League A team or a League B team for a spot in the World Cup finals.
• Bottom-placed League A teams, facing relegation for the next Nations League, compete in a first-round play-off against second or third-placed League B teams, with winners advancing further.

Play-Off Route for League B Teams

Teams from League B, including Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, must avoid finishing last in their groups to remain in contention for World Cup qualification:

• Group winners earn promotion to League A and play against a second or third-placed League B side in the first-round play-off.
• Second and third-placed teams face fourth-placed League A teams or League B group winners.
• The second round of play-offs is seeded, likely matching progressing teams against top-tier League A opposition.

In short, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland face a challenging route to the World Cup, likely needing to overcome two highly competitive nations in the play-offs to secure a finals berth.