The road to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil is becoming clearer after UEFA conducted the draw for the European play-offs. While Denmark, France, Germany and Spain have already secured automatic qualification, 32 nations remain in contention for the final European places at the tournament.
The draw has produced several eye-catching ties, including England against Greece, Sweden against Lithuania and the Netherlands against Hungary.
However, the qualification process is not straightforward. With multiple rounds, different qualification paths and an intercontinental play-off spot still up for grabs, many supporters are asking the same question:
How exactly do the UEFA play-offs work? Here’s everything you need to know.
How Many European Teams Will Qualify For The Women’s World Cup 2027?
Europe will have 11 representatives at the Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Four nations have already booked their place:
- Denmark
- France
- Germany
- Spain
That leaves seven direct qualification spots still available through the UEFA play-offs. An eighth team will remain alive by progressing to FIFA’s intercontinental play-off tournament.
Women’s World Cup 2027 Qualifying Explained
The easiest way to understand the process is to think of it as a two-round knockout competition.
Round 1
Round 1 will be played between 7 and 13 October 2026.
A total of 32 teams will compete across two separate pathways.
The winners of each tie advance to Round 2.
Round 2
Round 2 will take place between 26 November and 5 December 2026.
The 16 remaining teams will face each other in eight two-legged ties.
After those matches are completed:
- Seven teams qualify directly for the Women’s World Cup 2027.
- One team advances to FIFA’s intercontinental play-off tournament.
- The remaining teams are eliminated.
In short: 32 teams → 16 teams → 8 teams → 7 qualify directly + 1 reaches the intercontinental play-off.
Key Round 1 Fixtures
Path 1
- Lithuania vs Sweden
- Romania vs Norway
- Greece vs England
- Croatia vs Iceland
- Kazakhstan vs Republic of Ireland
- Kosovo vs Austria
- Hungary vs Netherlands
- Belarus vs Italy
Path 2
- Albania vs Wales
- Türkiye vs Slovenia
- Slovakia vs Ukraine
- Israel vs Switzerland
- Belgium vs Poland
- Czechia vs Scotland
- Northern Ireland vs Portugal
- Finland vs Serbia
England’s Route To Brazil
England enter the play-offs as one of the favourites to qualify. The Lionesses will first face Greece in October.
If Sarina Wiegman’s side progress, they will meet either Slovakia or Ukraine in Round 2. On paper, England have received one of the more favourable draws among the leading nations, though knockout football often produces surprises.
Tough Tests For Sweden And The Netherlands
Sweden begin their campaign against Lithuania and would face either Scotland or Czechia if they progress.
The Netherlands must overcome Hungary in Round 1 before a potential clash with Türkiye or Slovenia.
Norway, another traditional European power, face Romania before a possible meeting with Wales or Albania.
Round 2 Draw In Full
- Slovakia or Ukraine vs Greece or England
- Finland or Serbia vs Belarus or Italy
- Northern Ireland or Portugal vs Croatia or Iceland
- Albania or Wales vs Romania or Norway
- Israel or Switzerland vs Kosovo or Austria
- Czechia or Scotland vs Lithuania or Sweden
- Belgium or Poland vs Kazakhstan or Republic of Ireland
- Türkiye or Slovenia vs Hungary or Netherlands
Which Teams Are Best Placed To Qualify?
Several nations enter the play-offs as favourites based on recent performances and FIFA rankings. England, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway and Italy will all expect to be competing for direct qualification places.
However, the structure of the play-offs means there is little room for error. One poor performance across two legs can end a World Cup dream. That pressure is what makes the UEFA play-offs one of the most unpredictable stages of Women’s World Cup qualifying.
What Happens Next?
The first round of the UEFA Women’s World Cup 2027 play-offs will be played between 7 and 13 October. The 16 winners will then advance to Round 2 in late November and early December.
By the end of the year, Europe will know which nations join Denmark, France, Germany and Spain at the Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Until then, 32 teams remain in the race for the biggest prize in international women’s football.
Source: FIFA
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