Home nations discover play-off fate for 2027 Women's World Cup
England will begin their quest for a place at the 2027 Women's World Cup with a two-legged tie against Greece, after the European play-off draw was made on Wednesday. The Lionesses, who finished second in their qualifying group behind holders Spain, are seeded in Path 1 and will play the first leg away from home. Should Sarina Wiegman's team progress, they will face either Slovakia or Ukraine in the decisive round two clash.
Scotland have been paired with the Czech Republic in the other side of the draw, while Wales take on Albania. Northern Ireland face a tough test against Portugal, and the Republic of Ireland meet Kazakhstan, ranked 100th in the world. All ties will be played over two legs, with the first round scheduled for October 7-13, 2026, and the second round from November 26 to December 5.
Play-off format: Two paths to Brazil
The UEFA play-offs involve 32 teams split into two paths, with seeded and unseeded sides in each. England and the Republic of Ireland were seeded in Path 1, while Scotland and Wales are seeded in Path 2. Northern Ireland are unseeded in Path 2. The eight winners from round one advance to round two, where the seven best-ranked winners will claim direct qualification for the tournament in Brazil. The remaining winner must negotiate the inter-confederation play-off in February 2027.
Key ties and potential hurdles
Wales could face a reunion with former coach Gemma Grainger if they overcome Albania and meet Norway, now managed by Grainger, in round two. Scotland, if they beat Czech Republic, will face either Lithuania or Sweden in the final round. The Republic of Ireland's path is particularly daunting: after Kazakhstan, they would likely meet Belgium or Poland. Northern Ireland, meanwhile, could battle Croatia or Iceland if they upset Portugal.
Weir eyes World Cup after Lyon switch
Scotland's hopes will be boosted by the form of midfielder Caroline Weir, who recently joined Lyon after leaving Real Madrid. In an interview with The Guardian, Weir said she "would love to be competing for the Champions League" and challenged her national team to secure a World Cup spot. "June 2026 has been a month to remember—I scored seven goals in two games as we topped our World Cup qualifying group," she said. Weir's creative influence could prove decisive in the play-offs.
Key Takeaways
- England were drawn against Greece in round one of the UEFA Women's World Cup play-offs, with a potential decider against Slovakia or Ukraine.
- Scotland face Czech Republic, Wales take on Albania, Northern Ireland play Portugal, and Republic of Ireland meet Kazakhstan.
- The play-offs will be played over two legs in October and November 2026, with seven direct spots available for the 2027 tournament in Brazil.
- Caroline Weir’s move to Lyon and recent scoring run adds confidence for Scotland’s campaign.
- Broadcast details for the play-off ties are yet to be confirmed.
Quick Facts
Competition: Women's World Cup 2027
Play-off first round dates: October 7-13, 2026
Play-off second round dates: November 26 – December 5, 2026
Host nation: Brazil
Qualified teams so far: Spain, Denmark, France, Germany (from Europe)
UK & Ireland round one ties: England vs Greece, Scotland vs Czech Republic, Wales vs Albania, Northern Ireland vs Portugal, Rep. of Ireland vs Kazakhstan