England have been drawn against Greece in the first round of the Women's World Cup playoffs, with the winner facing either Slovakia or Ukraine for a place at the 2027 tournament in Brazil. The Lionesses, runners-up at the 2023 World Cup, are heavy favourites to progress after finishing second in their qualifying group behind Spain.
Scotland face a tougher path, needing to beat Czechia in the first round and then likely Sweden – semi-finalists in three of the past four World Cups – to reach the finals. Scotland's only previous World Cup appearance came in 2019.
Wales, who have never qualified, will play Albania in round one, with the winners facing Norway or Romania. Northern Ireland's route could bring a tie against Iceland if they beat their first-round opponents.
The first round of the European playoffs takes place over two legs between 7 and 13 October, with the second round scheduled for 26 November to 5 December. England will be at home in the second leg of both rounds.
Europe had nine automatic qualifiers for the last World Cup but only four for 2027 after a format revamp, forcing several top sides into the playoffs. The Republic of Ireland, chasing a second consecutive World Cup, face Kazakhstan in round one.
