The road to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil continues this international window as Europe’s 53 national teams begin the decisive league phase of qualifying. With four automatic qualification spots available through League A and further places determined via the play-offs, every fixture across Leagues A, B and C carries significant weight. The league phase concludes on 9 June, before the play-off rounds later in 2026. Here is everything you need to know about the European qualification format, groups and upcoming fixtures.
How European Qualification Works
UEFA has been allocated 11 direct places at the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with one additional European nation able to qualify via the intercontinental play-offs.
Direct Qualification
The four League A group winners qualify automatically for Brazil 2027.
Play-Off Qualification
The remaining spots are decided through a two-round play-off system:
Round 1 – Two Paths
- Path 1: League A runners-up and third-placed teams face League C group winners and the two best runners-up. League A teams are seeded.
- Path 2: League A fourth-placed teams and League B group winners face League B runners-up and third-placed teams. League A fourth-placed teams and League B winners are seeded.
Round 2
The round 1 winners are drawn again.
- The seven best-ranked Round 2 winners qualify directly.
- The eighth advances to the intercontinental play-offs.
Promotion and relegation between leagues also apply, increasing the competitive stakes throughout the campaign.
League A: Europe’s Heavyweights Battle for Direct Qualification
Sixteen teams are divided into four groups in League A. Only the group winners secure automatic qualification.
Group A1
Sweden, Italy, Denmark, Serbia
Sweden, bronze medallists at the 2023 World Cup, headline the group and remain one of Europe’s most consistent tournament performers. Denmark and Italy both featured at recent major tournaments, while Serbia earned promotion from League B, but never featured at a major tournament.
Fixtures
3 March: Italy vs Sweden | Denmark vs Serbia
7 March: Italy vs Denmark | Serbia vs Sweden
Group A2
France, Netherlands, Poland, Republic of Ireland
France and the Netherlands enter as favourites, though both will be eager to respond after disappointing EURO campaigns. Poland and the Republic of Ireland arrive following promotion and will look to challenge the established powers.
Fixtures
3 March: Poland vs Netherlands | Republic of Ireland vs France
7 March: France vs Poland | Netherlands vs Republic of Ireland
Group A3
Spain, England, Iceland, Ukraine
This group features the reigning world champions Spain and European champions England, renewing one of international football’s most compelling rivalries. Iceland seek a first Women’s World Cup appearance, while Ukraine make their League A debut.
Fixtures
3 March: Spain vs Iceland | Ukraine vs England
7 March: Ukraine vs Spain | England vs Iceland
Group A4
Germany, Norway, Austria, Slovenia
Germany and Norway, both ever-present at previous World Cups, headline Group A4. Austria look to reassert themselves after missing the last EURO, while Slovenia complete a rapid rise after back-to-back promotions.
Fixtures
3 March: Austria vs Norway | Germany vs Slovenia
7 March: Norway vs Germany | Slovenia vs Austria
League B: Play-Off Ambitions and Promotion at Stake
League B also contains four groups of four teams. The top three in each group advance to the play-offs, while group winners are promoted to League A for the next Women’s Nations League. Portugal and Belgium appear among the strongest contenders for promotion, while Switzerland aim to build momentum following their recent EURO hosting duties.
Group B1
Wales, Czechia, Albania, Montenegro
Fixtures
3 March: Montenegro vs Albania | Czechia vs Wales
7 March: Wales vs Montenegro | Albania vs Czechia
Group B2
Switzerland, Northern Ireland, Türkiye, Malta
Fixtures
3 March: Türkiye vs Malta | Switzerland vs Northern Ireland
7 March: Malta vs Switzerland | Northern Ireland vs Türkiye
Group B3
Portugal, Slovakia, Latvia, Finland
Fixtures
3 March: Slovakia vs Latvia | Portugal vs Finland
7 March: Finland vs Latvia | Portugal vs Slovakia
Group B4
Belgium, Scotland, Luxembourg, Israel
Fixtures
3 March: Luxembourg vs Scotland | Israel vs Belgium
7 March: Belgium vs Israel | Scotland vs Luxembourg
League C: Fighting for a Play-Off Chance
League C group winners, plus the two best runners-up, advance to the play-offs. Promotion to League B is also on the line. There are a total of eight play-off places in league C.
- Group C1: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Estonia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein
- Group C2: Croatia, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Gibraltar
- Group C3: Hungary, Azerbaijan, North Macedonia, Andorra
- Group C4: Greece, Faroe Islands, Georgia
- Group C5: Romania, Cyprus, Moldova
- Group C6: Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia
Key Dates: European Qualifiers 2026
- Matchday 1: 3 March
- Matchday 2: 7 March
- Matchday 3: 14 April
- Matchday 4: 18 April
- Matchday 5: 5 June
- Matchday 6: 9 June
Play-off draws take place in June 2026, with two-legged ties scheduled for October and November/December 2026. The 2027 Women’s World Cup finals will be held in Brazil from 24 June to 25 July 2027.
What to Watch This Window
- Spain vs England renew a growing rivalry.
- Germany and Norway aim to reassert themselves.
- Promoted sides test themselves against Europe’s elite.
- League B contenders push for promotion and play-off positioning.
- With direct qualification limited to four League A winners, early points could prove decisive in the race to Brazil.
Where to Watch the European Qualifiers
The games will be on national broadcasters like BBC, ARD, NPO and many others. We will answer this in our match previews per game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the qualifying slots per federation for the Women’s World Cup 2027?
- AFC: 6
- CAF: 4
- CONCACAF: 4
- CONMEBOL: 3 (including hosts Brazil)
- OFC: 1
- UEFA: 11
- Inter-confederation play-offs: 3
How many European teams qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup?
UEFA has 11 direct qualification spots for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. One additional European nation can qualify through the intercontinental play-offs. In total, Europe could therefore have up to 12 representatives at Brazil 2027.
What is the Women’s World Cup 2027 Calender?
- Qualifying draw: 4 November 2025
- Qualifying matchdays 1 & 2: 26 February-7 March 2026
- Qualifying matchdays 3 & 4: 9-18 April 2026
- Qualifying matchdays 5 & 6: 3-9 June 2026
- Play-off round 1 and round 2 draw: 24 June 2026
- Play-off round 1 (2 legs): 7-13 October 2026
- Play-off round 2 (2 legs): 26 November-5 December 2026
- Inter-confederation play-offs: February 2027
- Finals: 24 June-25 July 2027 (Brazil)
Source: UEFA
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