England face – England will play Greece in the Women’s World Cup 2027 play-offs after an unkind qualifying draw that avoided an automatic route. Sarina Wiegman’s side beat Ukraine twice in qualifying and now begin a promising October trip, while Northern Ireland, Scotland, W
England didn’t want the play-offs. The route into the next Women’s World Cup felt like it slipped from their grasp during qualification, when they met world champions Spain and were left with an unkind draw in the groups.
So when England’s play-off opponent was confirmed as Greece, it brought a specific kind of relief. Sarina Wiegman’s side are in a strong position for the play-offs and, if the draw plays out as they would like, they will fancy their chances with a kind trip in October.
Confidence comes with receipts. England beat potential round two opponents Ukraine in both matches in the qualifying group stage. It means the team’s belief isn’t just based on fixtures and hope—it’s built on what they already did in qualifying.
The picture looks far less comfortable for Northern Ireland. Their first-round tie pits them against a talented young Portugal squad, and the past record is already heavy. Portugal twice beat Northern Ireland in Euro 2025 qualifying.
Northern Ireland’s path gets even harder if they progress into round two. Iceland could await, and England’s opponents this year have shown that Iceland are difficult to break down. The matches England played against Iceland this year have already underlined that problem.
Scotland, meanwhile, are trying to climb into the Women’s World Cup again after missing out in 2023. Their aim is clear: reach the finals for only the second time.
They shaped their hopes through qualifying this time. performing well in their group stage and drawing with Belgium—results that showed they can compete with some of Europe’s strongest teams. If Scotland meet Sweden in round two, they will need their best. Sweden have been semi-finalists in the past two Women’s World Cup finals.
Wales face a different kind of task. They have never beaten a top-20 ranked nation in a competitive fixture, and to qualify they are likely to need to do exactly that. Their away form also needs improvement.
But there is familiarity in their first-round opponent list. Wales’ round one rivals are opponents they’ve already seen in their qualifying story: they thrashed Albania 4-0 in the qualifying group so they will be looking for the same intensity to land another decisive result.
For the Republic of Ireland, qualifying form was strong—but the play-off route is never simple. Their path includes established European opposition, with Belgium potentially waiting in round two.
First, Carla Ward’s side face a 3,100-mile trip to Kazakhstan against relatively unknown opposition. It’s the kind of journey that can unsettle even teams that have played their best football in qualifying.
For everyone involved. the draw has turned qualification momentum into a new set of tests—some feel winnable. others feel like they could define a season. England will start with Greece in October. but the other ties carry their own pressure. their own histories. and their own stakes as round one begins to close in.
Women's World Cup 2027 play-offs England Greece Sarina Wiegman Northern Ireland Portugal Scotland Sweden Wales Albania Republic of Ireland Carla Ward Kazakhstan Belgium Iceland Ukraine